Arab League Summit: Arab leaders mute on Syria strikes at Saudi summit

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At a time when Syria is dominating much of the news, Arab leaders are asserting pressure on Iran at an Arab league summit in Saudi Arabia. CGTN's Guy Henderson reports from Khobar in the country's eastern province.

A royal welcome for Arab leaders. With Saudi Arabia's King Salman center stage. The King made no mention of the weekend's U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria, but the Arab League wants an international investigation into alleged chemical weapons there. Riyadh's priority though remains regional rival Iran.

SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ KING OF SAUDI ARABIA "We renew our condemnation of terrorist acts carried out by Iran, in the Arab region, and we reject its blatant interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries."

Salman's son the Crown Prince has spent the past few weeks shoring up support for that stance: which Tehran denies.

Not a difficult challenge in Washington these days.

But among neighbors, it may prove tougher.

GUY HENDERSON DAMMAM The hosts have been pushing for a more assertive U.S. role in Syria for a long time, and ultimately, it's Iranian influence they want curbed. Members Iraq and Lebanon have condemned the latest Western military action in Syria, though Jordan and Kuwait have refrained from taking a stance.

There was unity on another issue though: one that puts this bloc deeply at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump.

As Israel looks to a seat on the UN Security Council — the Arab League is moving to block it.

MAHMOUD ABBAS, PRESIDENT PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY "How can a state that has failed to implement any UN resolutions since 1947 become a member of the Security Council?"

The Saudi foreign minister played down any conflicting interests.

ADEL AL JUBEIR SAUDI FOREIGN MINISTER "There is no contradiction in having very strong strategic ties with the U.S. while telling your friend where we believe their policy should change. That's what friends are for."

A friend the Saudis want more Arab countries to stand behind. To shift this region's balance of power. GH, CGTN, Khobar, Saudi Arabia.