Obama calls Saudi king over Iran: White House

US President Barack Obama Wednesday called King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia to discuss the negotiations over Iranian nuclear programme.

The kingdom had expressed unhappiness over Washington's policies toward Egypt, Syria, and Iran.

During their telephone conversation, Obama shared the details of the first-step agreement reached Sunday in Geneva between Iran and the P5+1 group of Britain, China, France, Russia, and the US plus Germany, reported Xinhua citing the White House.

The president reaffirmed the importance of Iran "following through on its commitments" of curbing some of its nuclear activities in exchange for eased sanctions by the major powers, the White House said in a readout of the talks.

The two leaders agreed to consult regularly as the six powers pursue follow-up negotiations with Iran with a view to striking a comprehensive deal within the next six months.

"President Obama reiterated the firm commitment of the United States to our friends and allies in the Gulf," the White House said.

Riyadh declined a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in October in protest against Washington's approaches to Egypt, Syria and Iran. US Secretary of State John Kerry visited the kingdom early this month and met with the king.