US pressured Gulf states over Iran: Ahmadinejad

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said yesterday the United States and its allies pressured Gulf Arab states to accuse Tehran of interfering in the region and demanded Saudi forces leave Bahrain.
"This statement was issued under pressure from America and its allies. It does not bear any legal value," Ahmadinejad told reporters at a Tehran news conference, after the GCC said Sunday it was worried about "Iranian meddling."
The Iranian president also said that Saudi-led forces brought into Bahrain amid protests by the Shiite majority in the kingdom should leave.
"It is hideous that troops have been brought in," Ahmadinejad said.
"Take them out. The people have demands so listen to them," the hardliner said.
The Gulf Arab states on Sunday accused the Islamic republic of interfering in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in a statement issued after a meeting in Riyadh, said they were "deeply worried about continuing Iranian meddling."
Ahmadinejad said the Gulf Arab monarchies must "not fall into the trap of the Americans," and should boost their ties with Tehran instead.
"We have extended the hand of friendship... do not fall into the American trap, all should be alert," Ahmadinejad said in the press conference broadcast live on state television.
Pointing the finger at Tehran's regional archfoe, Israel, he said: "Their (the West's) intention in interfering in the region is to save the Zionist regime."
The GCC -- grouping Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia with Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates -- accused Shiite Iran of plotting against the security of its Sunni monarchies and of fanning confessional discord.