Hagel reassures Gulf allies US committed to regional security

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel toured an anti-mine warfare ship in the US Fifth Fleet on Friday to underscore US commitment to Middle East security despite policy differences over Iran and Syria that have angered Washington's longtime Gulf allies.

"Our history in this area is long and proud. Our commitment to our partners in this area speaks for itself and I will assure our partners that we're not going anywhere," Hagel told troops aboard the 40-year-old vessel, recently refitted to be a floating base for anti-mine warfare and special operations. (Reuters)