Kerry to visit Saudi Arabia amid regional unrest

Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Saudi Arabia later this week for talks with senior government officials about security issues in the region, the State Department announced Monday.

The two-day visit — set for Wednesday and Thursday — comes as some observers contend that Iran has entered into a proxy war against Saudi Arabia and others in the region by supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The U.S. is providing intelligence and logistical support to a Saudi-led military coalition against the Houthis, which forced the pro-Western government to resign late last year.

After the visit, Kerry travel to Paris for follow-on talks with officials from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, according to the State Department.

He will participate in Victory Day commemorations marking the allied victory in Europe and  meet with French Foreign Minister Fabius to discuss “regional and global issues,” most likely efforts to secure a lasting agreement with Iran over it’s nuclear program.

Negotiatiors have until June 30 to strike a final accord.