U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is making diplomatic moves in Saudi Arabia as he tries to secure support for a potential nuclear deal with Iran. <br />With more, we turn to Paul Yi at the News Center. <br />Paul, there are many groups that strongly oppose this deal, chief among them being Israel. <br />So the big question is... why is Saudi Arabia considered a crucial player in making this deal happen?<br /><br />Well, policy experts say convincing Saudi Arabia to accept any nuclear pact is important to President Obama... because he needs Riyadh's cooperation on a host of other regional issues -- that includes moderating U.S influence in those rich, oil markets. <br />Kerry arrived in the Saudi Arabian capital on Thursday... and will likely try to reassure King Salman that the Iran nuclear agreement will be in his nation's interests. <br />This despite fears among Arab nations that it may boost Tehran's backing of Shi'ite Muslim groups in the region. <br />Ahead of his arrival, Kerry stressed the emerging deal remained the best option on the table. <br /><br /><br />"And most importantly, as President Obama said yesterday, we know that no one has presented a more viable, lasting alternative for how you actually prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. So folks, simply demanding that Iran capitulate is not a plan, and nor would any of our P5+1 partners support us in that position."<br /><br />Kerry made the remarks after wrapping up three days of nuclear talks in Switzerland with his Iranian counterpart... Mohammad Jawad Zarif. <br />The two diplomats are set to meet again on March 15th with the deadline fast approaching for the current nuclear accord between Iran and six world powers.
