The US Department of State confirmed that it is “working closely” with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states to confront the “challenge that Iran poses.”

The State Department announced that the challenge posed by Iran to the region and beyond would be high on the agenda when President Biden visits Saudi Arabia next month to meet with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Biden will also participate in the joint summit with the leaders of the GCC, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq.

Officials in Riyadh and Washington announced that Biden’s July trip to the region included a stop in Saudi Arabia and a meeting with King Salman and the Crown Prince.

It is Biden’s first visit to the Middle East that consolidates the historic bilateral relations and the strategic partnership between Riyadh and Washington.

The talks will also focus on the means to confront regional and global challenges, including global oil and gas prices, growing fears about Iran’s nuclear program, and Washington’s concern about China’s expansion.

State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters that officials are in talks with several international and regional parties regarding the challenge posed by Iran, stressing that the consultations are not limited to Israel.

He indicated that Washington works closely with its Gulf partners, including the Saudis and the GCC.

Arab leaders from the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq, will come to Saudi Arabia during Biden’s visit.

Price asserted other interests between the US and Saudi Arabia, including energy, and “we’ve spoken of our desire to see a steady global supply of energy.”

“This has been a topic of discussion on a bilateral basis with members of OPEC. It will be on the agenda when President Biden meets with the GCC and meets with Saudi counterparts in Saudi Arabia next month as well,” said the spokesman.

Price told the reporters that “I think you can see the line through all of this is doing whatever we can to pursue America’s interests while not leaving by the wayside our values.”