WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the U.S. shares Saudi Arabia's concerns about Yemen and the need to restore an inclusive and functioning government.

Obama is meeting with Saudi Arabia's King Salman in the Oval Office. He says it's obviously a challenging time for the Middle East.

The U.S. has been supporting Saudi airstrikes against the Iran-aided Houthi rebels, who are in a civil war with the U.S.-recognized government. But the Obama administration also has expressed concerns about civilian casualties there.

Salman says the U.S.-Saudi relationship benefits the world. He says Obama is a friend.

The meeting comes as Saudi Arabia seeks assurances from the U.S. that the Iran nuclear deal comes with an effort to check Iran's regional ambitions.