Obama Vows To Protect Arab Allies From 'Attack'

Barack Obama pledged Washington's "iron-clad commitment" to protect the security of US allies in the Middle East during a summit with Arab leaders at Camp David.

The US President spoke of the possibility of authorising US military force if Iran threatened the security of Sunni governments in the region and vowed America would "use all elements of power to secure our core interests in the Gulf region, and to deter and confront external aggression against our allies and partners".

Saudi Arabia and other nations in the Persian Gulf are deeply nervous of the prospect of an agreement with Iran over its nuclear programme.

The US, along with other world powers, is hoping to finalise an agreement for a deadline at the end of June.

An outline agreement last month proposed an easing of sanctions on Iran in exchange for a freeze on its nuclear programme.

Officials from the kingdoms of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates travelled to the US for the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) talks.

Gulf states have said an end to the sanctions and standoff over Iran's nuclear programme could empower Tehran at a time it has been accused of stirring up conflict in the region, including claims of supporting rebels in Yemen.

Speaking at a news conference after the talks, Mr Obama said: "I am reaffirming our iron-clad commitment to the security of our Gulf partners.

"The United States will stand by our GCC partners against external attack."

He added that a "comprehensive, verifiable solution that fully addresses the regional and international concerns about Iran's nuclear programme is in the security interests of the international community, including our GCC partners".

Mr Obama announced measures including integrating ballistic missile defence systems, strengthening cyber and maritime security and an increase in joint military exercises in the region.

There were claims ahead of the meeting that Saudi Arabia King Salman had snubbed the summit , instead sending Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his place.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was also not in attendance.

It comes after Congress approved a measure enabling lawmakers to hold an up or down vote on the Iran deal on Thursday.