President Barack Obama waves as he heads toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Thursday, May 14, 2015.

U.S. President Barack Obama hailed on Thursday what he described as the beginning of a “new era” in cooperation with GCC states following a Camp David summit with the Gulf leaders.

Speaking to reporters after the summit, Obama said that in the event of a threat to Gulf nations, the United States would consider using military force for their defense.

“The purpose of security cooperation is not to perpetuate any long-term confrontation with Iran or even to marginalize Iran,” the U.S. leader added.

He also said the United States would work with them to counter violent extremists working online, Reuters news agency reported.

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