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Defense bill calls for military pacts with Gulf states

House Republicans unveiled a defense bill that calls for military agreements with Gulf Cooperation Council nations to deter Iran, although some are nervous that pressing for status of forces arrangements could backfire.

Members of the Qatari Armed Forces take part in a military parade during National Day celebrations in Doha December 18, 2013. REUTERS/Mohammed Dabbous (QATAR - Tags: MILITARY ANNIVERSARY POLITICS) - RTX16N6N
Members of the Qatari Armed Forces take part in a military parade during National Day celebrations in Doha, Dec. 18, 2013. — REUTERS/Mohammed Dabbous

The House Armed Services Committee unveiled an annual defense bill this week that calls on the Obama administration to deter Iran by signing defense pacts with member nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Section 1239 of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act expresses the sense of Congress relating to the US "presence and cooperation in the Arabian Gulf region to deter Iran."

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