"The security and the stability of the Arab countries is directly linked to regional security," Jordan's Interior Minister Nayef Qadai said in Tunis at a meeting of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers.

"That is why we confirm our support to diplomatic and political solutions concerning the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme," said Qadai, who is president of the Council's 27th session.

Qadai also said "all countries have the right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes" and nuclear matters must be dealt with transparently in all cases, including that of Israel.

Western governments, particularly the United States and France, are seeking further sanctions on Iran to stop its nuclear drive, which they suspect may be aimed at acquiring atomic weapons -- a charge Tehran denies.

The Council of Arab Interior Ministers has already adopted five resolutions demanding that Iran suspend sensitive nuclear activities, mainly the enrichment of uranium. Tehran has ignored all of them.

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