Obama to host Saudi leader, Gulf states in May

President Obama will host leaders from Gulf states next month as he seeks to quell concerns over a nuclear deal with Iran. 

The two-day summit will take place May 13-14, with one day at the White House and the next at Camp David. Leaders from six Arab states that neighbor Iran — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — will attend. 

{mosads}Many of the states have expressed concern over the emerging nuclear agreement, which would curb, but not eliminate, Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. 

Saudi Arabia, Iran’s chief rival in the region, has publicly backed the deal. But privately, observers believe the Saudis may pursue their own nuclear program if Iran is left with enough nuclear capacity to race toward building a bomb.

Saudi Arabia and Iran have also found themselves on opposite sides of the conflict in Yemen. The United States is backing the Saudis’ fight against Shiite rebels that have received support from Iran. 

White House press secretary Josh Earnest called the summit an opportunity for leaders “to discuss ways to enhance their partnership and deepen security cooperation.”