Gulf Arab Leaders Hold Summit Amid Iran Nuclear Concerns

Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki

The leaders of six U.S.-allied Gulf Arab nations have opened a regional summit in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, with security concerns on the agenda.

The annual meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council follows the recent WikiLeaks release of U.S. diplomatic cables indicating concerns among the six states about Iran's nuclear program -- particularly by the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

The emir of Kuwait, Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah, told the summit that the GCC nations, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, wanted to see a "peaceful settlement" of the dispute over Iran's nuclear program that ensures the "stability and security" of the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki, during a visit to Bahrain on December 4 said Iran would never use force against a neighboring Muslim country.

compiled from agency reports