In a strong statement on Sunday, Gulf Co-operation Council member states told Iran to stop its "provocations," a month after Bahrain quelled a Shia-led uprising, triggering a tirade of Iranian condemnation.

. . . "The main reason (for the GCC move) is the uncovering of Iranian (espionage) cells in Gulf countries, in addition to direct and indirect interference," said the head of the Dubai-based Gulf Research Centre, Abdulaziz Sager.

. . . "There is a contradiction between what the Iranians say and what they do," he said, and added that Iran insists on meddling in Arab affairs, despite statements of readiness to resolve differences.