Obama expresses support for Yemen action in call with Saudi King

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with Saudi King Salman, discussing recent developments in Yemen and emphasized the U.S. support for the action taken by Saudi Arabia and Gulf Cooperation Council members, the White House said in a statement on Friday.

Both agreed that their goal is to achieve lasting stability in Yemen through a negotiated political solution, the statement said. Obama also underscored his commitment to Saudi Arabia's security.

Saudi ambassador to Washington announced on Wednesday that his country and its Gulf allies have launched airstrikes on the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Some Middle East countries have voiced support to the action, but Iran and some other nations have opposed it and called for a negotiated way to settle Yemen's political crisis. Endi