Obama Meets Saudi King Amid US-Gulf Tensions

Barack Obama has met Saudi Arabia's King Salman in Riyadh in a low-key visit that analysts say hinted at Gulf Arab frustration with the US President's policy in the region.

Stepping off Air Force One, Mr Obama was not met by the Saudi monarch, who was shown on state television greeting senior officials from Gulf nations who have flown in for the same summit.

Saudi television did not broadcast live - as it has previously done - the arrival of Mr Obama, who was on his fourth and probably final trip as US President.

The Saudi monarch was instead waiting for Mr Obama at the Erga Palace, where they met for two hours.

The US President pressed Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations to step up efforts to defeat the Islamic State group and help rebuild Iraq, said the White House.

The Sunni Muslim-ruled kingdom is staunchly opposed to Mr Obama's outreach to their arch-enemy, Iran, and sceptical of his approach to Syria.

There were polite smiles as the two sat down for a photo-call.

"The American people send their greetings and we are very grateful for your hospitality," Mr Obama said, referring to the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council summit.

"The feeling is mutual between us and the American people," the king said through a translator.

The president was to spend little more than 24 hours in the Saudi capital before heading to London and Hanover, Germany.

Thursday's Gulf Cooperation Council summit will focus on the fight against Islamic State and al Qaeda as well as the issue of Iran.

The talks were also expected to address the Saudi-led military campaign against Shia rebels and their allies in neighboring Yemen.

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter and CIA Director John Brennan accompanied Mr Obama.

Saudi Arabia - the world's top oil exporter and the biggest customer for US weapons manufacturers - was outraged over concessions granted to Iran in last year's nuclear deal.

There was no immediate word on whether Mr Obama or Salman had addressed a bill which would expose Saudi Arabia to legal action over any links to the 11 September attacks.

The New York Times is reporting that Saudi Arabia has threatened to sell its multi billion-dollar US assets if Congress passed the measure.

Mr Obama said he opposes the bill because it could expose the US to lawsuits from citizens of other countries.