WASHINGTON/RIYADH: United States President Barack Obama will host Saudi King Salman at the White House on Friday, September 4.
Salman’s visit will come just days before Congress votes on the Iran deal, which would lift sanctions in return for a limit on Tehran’s capability to make a nuclear bomb.
Saudi Arabia considers Iran its major regional rival and has expressed concern that the deal will provide Tehran a financial windfall. However, on a visit to Saudi Arabia in July, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Salman had expressed support for the deal.
In addition to the Iran agreement and efforts to “counter Iran’s destabilizing activities,” the White House said that the two leaders expect to discuss the civil wars in Yemen and Syria. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said they will also talk about joint security and counterterrorism efforts.
The last time the two met was Jan. 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
