U.S.: Saudi Arabia offers greater role in air war on Islamic State

Carter met Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the country's defense minister, at a gathering of coalition defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

"The secretary thanked the deputy crown prince for participating in today's meeting of coalition defense ministers, and for Saudi Arabia's decision to increase its military contributions, especially the Kingdom's offer to expand its role in the air campaign," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said in a statement.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; editing by Ralph Boulton)