US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Kuwait, Israel and Lebanon between 19 and 23 March aiming to reinvigorate partnerships, enhance bilateral ties and discuss the Iran’s “malign influence” reads the press release of the US Department of State. On 20 March, the governments of the State of Kuwait and the US held the Third US-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue: “Enhancing Our Strategic Partnership” in Kuwait. Reportedly, this dialogue produced advances in the strategic partnership both parties have on defence, security, trade, investment, border protection, customs, consular affairs, education and health issues. Pompeo met on 20-21 March with PM Netanyahu in Israel, where he maintained the US’ “unparalleled commitment to Israel’s security” and “firmly support” Israel’s “right to defend” itself. During his visit, Pompeo also attended the sixth summit meeting between Israel, Greece and Cyprus, represented by Greek PM Tsipras and Cypriot PM Anastasiades, where they discussed among other subjects the US’ promotion of energy security and diversification in the Eastern Mediterranean and the efforts to counter Iran, Russia and China. On 22-23 March, Pompeo met with President Michel Aoun in Beirut to discuss bilateral and regional issues, notably the US’ concerns over the influence Hezbollah and Iran have over Lebanon and the security risks it poses. With PM Saad Hariri, he discussed the importance of US-Lebanese security partnership and the need for continued support to the Lebanese Armed Forces. However, Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil insisted that Hezbollah was a “Lebanese group that is not a terrorist organization and was elected by the people.”