Gulf governments dismissed as "interference" an Iranian suggestion that unrest in Syria and Bahrain be discussed at nuclear talks between world powers and Iran, accusing Tehran of constantly trying to destabilise some Arab states.

The secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) said the bloc "categorically rejected" Iran's proposal, saying it was further evidence of Iranian meddling in the region, the Bahraini news agency BNA reported on Thursday.

"This confirms Iran's clear interference in the domestic affairs of Arab countries, and its continuous efforts to destabilise the security of some of these Arab countries," Abdulatif al-Zayani was quoted as saying.

The GCC is not represented at the intermittent and so far inconclusive talks six world powers are conducting with Iran to try to get it to rein in its disputed nuclear energy programme.

Western diplomats have accused Iran in the past of trying to avoid the main point of the negotiations by widening the agenda to cover security and economic issues.

The next session is due to take place in Kazakhstan on February 26. The West fears Iran is pursuing the means to develop nuclear weapons. Iran says it seeks only civilian atomic energy.

The semi-official Iranian news agency Mehr said on Tuesday Tehran had proposed including Bahrain and Syria in the talks with world powers.

Bahrain summoned Iran's charge d'affaires over the statement, BNA said.-Reuters