Obama Discusses Iran Nuclear Deal With Saudi Princes

U.S. President Barack Obama (right) meets with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef (center) in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on May 13.

President Barack Obama has discussed U.S. efforts to forge a nuclear deal with Iran in a White House meeting with Saudi leaders.

Obama met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef and Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman on May 13 after King Salman pulled out of the visit.

"The United States and Saudi Arabia have an extraordinary friendship and relationship that dates back to Franklin Roosevelt," Obama said, adding that they now faced "a very challenging time" amid tensions about Iran's growing influence in the region.

Obama and the Saudi leaders discussed how to build on a cease-fire and work toward "an inclusive, legitimate government" in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition has been bombing Iran-supported Huthi rebels.

Obama later hosted a dinner with representatives from six Gulf Cooperation Council states.

The parties planned to continue discussing the nuclear talks and Tehran's reputed support of terrorism in the region at Camp David, the presidential retreat, on May 14.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP