The Hill News

President Obama called the kings of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to urge them to show restraint amid escalating tensions.

White House press secretary Jay Carney said Obama called Saudi King Abdullah and Bahrainian King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to express "deep concern" over increases in violence between Saudi and Bahrainian security forces and protesters.

Carney said that Obama told both kings that they should exercise "maximum restraint."

"The president also stressed the importance of a political process as the only way to peacefully address the legitimate grievances of Bahrainis and to lead to a Bahrain that is stable, just, more unified and responsive to its people," Carney said.

Saudi Arabia sent troops this week to Bahrain, where protests against the country's Sunni leadership have come from the nation's Shia majority.