Riyadh--Discontent with American policy toward Iran is behind the last-minute pullout by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz from a summit with US President Barack Obama this week, analysts say.
Obama invited King Salman along with five other Gulf rulers to the White House on Wednesday followed by a retreat the following day at Camp David.
He hopes to shore up wavering trust while Washington tries to reach a deal to curb the nuclear programme of Shiite Iran, the regional rival to Sunni-dominated Gulf monarchies.
Only the leaders of Kuwait and Qatar will now likely attend the summit, indicating "a lack of consideration, a disagreement and a lack of respect for President Barack Obama," said Abdelkhaleq Abdallah, an analyst from the United Arab Emirates.
Abdallah said "the differences of opinion seem profound" over Iran, which the Gulf states see as a source of regional instability that would increase after the signing of a proposed nuclear accord.
A framework agreement between Iran and the United States, France and other major powers, currently being finalised, limits Tehran's nuclear capabilities in return for the lifting of crippling international sanctions.
The White House, which hoped the summit would ease the Gulf's deep unease over talks with Iran, said Monday that King Salman had called Obama to "express his regret at not being able to travel to Washington".
"The two leaders emphasised the strength of the two countries' partnership, based on their shared interest and commitment to the stability and prosperity of the region," the White House said.
AFP
