CAMP DAVID, Md. — The proposed nuclear deal with Iran includes stringent inspections to make sure the Iranians do not pursue nuclear weapons in secret, President Obama told Arab allies Thursday, the president and officials said.
Speaking after a daylong series of meetings with officials from six Gulf nations, Obama said he also pledged to work with them to resist Iran's "destabilization activities" throughout the region, whether there's a nuclear deal or not.
"I was very explicit that the United States will stand by our (Arab) partners against external attacks," Obama told reporters who gathered at Camp David presidential retreat in the Maryland mountains.
While the meetings also dealt with the threat of the Islamic State and civil wars in Syria, Libya and Yemen, the topic of Iran dominated Obama's talks with members of the Gulf Cooperation Council: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
While promoting the prospects of an Iran nuclear agreement, Obama said he told his Arab partners that there would not be a reduction in sanctions until the Iranians prove they will comply with the agreement.
Regardless of whether there's a nuclear deal, Iran still poses a threat to the region, Obama said. He pledged to work with other countries to resist Iranian aggression but said he would also welcome a reformed Iran into the community of nations.
"None of our nations have an interest in an open-ended conflict with Iran," Obama said, adding that "we welcome an Iran that plays a responsible role."
Obama said he reaffirmed the United States' "ironclad" commitment to the security of its Gulf allies and will increase its defense assistance with more joint military exercises and stepped-up training. The United States will also streamline the delivery of weapons systems, including missile defense technology, Obama said.
The president called for new governments in Syria and Libya and pledged to help maintain the cease-fire in Yemen and beat back violent extremism throughout the region.
Obama also said the group agreed to hold a similar meeting next year.
