Obama: Gulf nation leaders support Iran nuke talks, pledge unity against regional threats

CAMP DAVID, Md. – President Barack Obama says leaders of Gulf allies at a summit have agreed that a comprehensive, verifiable deal that blocks Iran’s pathway to a nuclear weapon would serve everyone’s interests.

But Obama says the region will still face a range of threats whether a final deal is or isn’t reached with Iran by a June 30 deadline.

He says the U.S. and the Gulf nations pledged Thursday to work together to address the threats, including those blamed on destabilizing behaviour by Iran.

Obama and leaders from six Gulf nations met during a rare summit at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland.

Gulf states fear that lifting economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program will embolden Iran to behave more aggressively in the region.