US President Barack Obama speaks while hosting the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at Camp David in Maryland May 14, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - The United States would consider using military force to defend Gulf nations in the event of an external threat to their territorial integrity, US President Barack Obama said Thursday.

The US is prepared to work jointly with Gulf nations to "deter and confront" an external threat to any Gulf state's territorial integrity that is inconsistent with the United Nations charter, Obama said, reaffirming what he called "iron-clad commitment" to the security of Gulf partners.

In the event of such aggression, the US stands ready to work with Gulf nations to "urgently determine what actions may be appropriate, using the means at our collective disposal, including the potential use of military force" for the defense of Gulf nations, Obama said at a press conference after a summit with Gulf leaders.