Gulf states and the US offer on defense system deployment

The BBC's correspondent to the Middle East has stated that the Arab Gulf states are not comfortable with the American offer to deploy high-cost defense system against the possible danger of missile attacks by Iraq and Iran.

The correspondent added that Iran desires the evacuation of all Western forces from the Gulf and signing a security agreement between the countries of this area.

The correspondent added that it is evident that the development of internal conditions in Iran, where there are frictions between the conservatives and reformers, prevent any Iranian official from giving interest to the mission of the Arab Gulf three-member committee which is in charge of convincing Tehran to join negotiations with the UAE to settle the conflict over three disputed Gulf islands.

This committee was formed in 1999 to help solve the disputes over the three islands. The committee includes Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.