Obama promises 'tough conversation' with Arab allies over security - NYT

U.S. President Barack Obama delivers remarks on clean energy after a tour of a solar power array at Hill Air Force Base, Utah April 3, 2015. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said he would have a "tough conversation" with America's Gulf Arab allies in which he would promise strong U.S. support against external enemies but tell them they must address internal political challenges.

In an interview with New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman published on Sunday, he said he would tell Gulf states they also needed to be more active in addressing regional crises.