Manama: Yemen and Tunisia yesterday expressed their solidarity with Bahrain over Iran's claims of sovereignty over the kingdom even as Iran's Deputy Oil Minister Syed Reza Kassai said his country had not received any official statement on halting talks over gas imports.

In a telephone conversation with His Majesty King Hamad, Yemeni President Ali Abdulla Saleh stressed the kingdom's status as a sovereign and an independent state, rejecting Iran's claims as irresponsible.

An official at the Tunisian foreign ministry said it regretted such claims by Tehran. He also indicated the need for harmony among countries in the region to help reinforce co-operation and brotherly ties to provide stability.

Earlier, Oil Minister and National Oil and Gas Authority chairman Dr Abdulhussain Mirza told Zajil Press Bahrain had suspended gas negotiations with Iran and the Bahraini team in Tehran was ordered to return.

Separately, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry issued a statement denouncing Iran's claims.

Meanwhile, Coastguard Commander Colonel Ala'a Siyadi said sea navigation activity between Bahrain and Iran was regular. However, restrictions have been placed on the movement of dhows to prevent intrusions and smuggling operations.

Arab Online conducted an opinion poll on the Iran statement.

It revealed that 22 per cent thought it was Tehran's bid to display power while 62pc considered it a humiliation to Arabs and 51pc perceived it a message to the West.