'Would consider using military force to defend Gulf nations'

Washington: The United States would consider using military force to defend Gulf nations in the event of any external threat to their territorial integrity, US President Barack Obama said on Friday.

The US is prepared to work jointly with Gulf nations to "deter and confront" an external threat to any Gulf state's territorial integrity that is inconsistent with the United Nations charter, Obama said, reaffirming what he called "iron-clad commitment" to the security of Gulf partners, Xinhua news agency reported.

In the event of such aggression, the US stands ready to work with Gulf nations to "urgently determine what actions may be appropriate, using the means at our collective disposal, including the potential use of military force" for the defence of Gulf nations, Obama said at a press conference after a summit with Gulf leaders.