Obama and Saudi King Abdullah speak by phone

U.S. President Barack Obama spoke to Saudi King Abdullah on Thursday, as regional diplomacy intensifies over Syria's escalating civil war and Iran's nuclear program. The White House declined to give details of the conversation, or to say exactly which issues Obama and Abdullah discussed. "The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and enduring bilateral relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia," said a statement issued by Obama's press secretary Jay Carney. The two leaders also discussed "a range of issues of mutual interest as part of their ongoing consultations," a White House statement said. Saudi Arabia has said that regional states should provide the means for Syria's opposition forces to defend themselves against the onslaught from President Bashar Assad's forces. Washington is reluctant to send in arms, citing the uncertain motives and organization of disparate Syrian opposition groups, but has been providing communications equipment and medical aid to the rebels. Iran has criticized Saudi Arabia for increasing its oil output this year to make up for a shortfall in Iranian crude resulting from U.S. and European Union sanctions to punish Tehran for its nuclear program. The call between Obama and the king took place ahead of the next round of nuclear talks between Iran and international powers in Moscow next week. Ties between the Obama administration and the Saudi government were strained during the height of Arab spring protests last year, but senior U.S. officials say they have since recovered, as the allies confront a common challenge from Iran.