Iran designs under focus

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the United States agreed on Wednesday to cooperate on security and counterterrorism measures in the wake of rising threats from Iran and Daesh.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and US President Barack Obama reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues against the backdrop of differences the Gulf allies have with the US on regional issues, especially Iran and Syria. The focus of the Saudi-US summit, however, was on “joint action on security threats including Iran and Daesh.”
An SPA report said the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Middle East region and international efforts toward them including combating terrorism.
The White House said the GCC-US summit will be an opportunity for leaders to discuss issues such as Daesh, regional conflicts and sectarian tensions.
The summit today will also discuss the situation in Yemen where Iran is fighting a proxy war by aiding Houthi militants and terror groups.
Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa said “the summit clearly reflects outstanding relations between GCC countries and the US, and underlines success of dialogue as an approach and continuous consultation on various issues.” He added that “the summit would help tackle the grave regional and international challenges, boost regional peace and security and achieve aspirations of the people of this region.”

Obama offered the king greetings on behalf of the American nation and the people, and said: “We are very grateful for your hospitality, not just for this meeting but for hosting the GCC-US summit that’s taking place here on Thursday.”
King Salman reciprocated by greeting Obama with words of thanks and appreciation. “The Saudi people have the same feeling of goodwill for the American people,” said the king.
The king-Obama talks were attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif; Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; Prince Faisal bin Bandar, Riyadh governor, Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, National Guard minister, Adel Al-Jubeir, foreign minister; Adel Al-Toraifi, culture and information minister and Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki, Saudi ambassador to the US.
A large number of US officials are accompanying Obama in this trip. His entourage includes CIA Director John Brennan and National Security Adviser Susan Rice.
The US Embassy has posted on its Twitter account photos of Obama’s meetings with the king, the crown prince and the deputy crown prince.
Meanwhile, the king also focused on major regional conflicts while delivering his inaugural address at the GCC-Morocco summit Wednesday.