Saudi Arabia’s deputy foreign minister says Gulf Arab states must integrate key affairs such as diplomacy and defense to counter perceived threats including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Arab Spring spillover.

The Western-allied bloc has increasingly discussed closer coordination to battle Arab Spring-inspired opposition and confront regional rival Iran. Last year, a Saudi-led military force came to the aid of Bahrain’s embattled monarchy against an ongoing uprising by the country’s Shiite majority. (AP)