Amid strains, Clinton hails Gulf leadership on Libya

Despite these tensions, the Arab League has backed western-led efforts to get tough on Gaddafi and two Gulf countries -- the United Arab Emirates and Qatar -- may help with military support against a leader they had long regarded with suspicion.

Clinton, who met the foreign ministers of both Qatar and the United Arab Emirates while in Paris, underscored shared fears about Iran, the region's Shi'ite heavyweight which has sparked international concern over its nuclear ambitions.

"The United States has an abiding commitment to Gulf security and a top priority is working together with our partners on our shared concerns about Iranian behaviour in the region," she said.

"We share the view that Iran's activities in the Gulf, including its efforts to advance its agenda in neighbouring countries, undermines peace and stability."

Political analysts say Saudi Arabia's deep suspicion of Iranian meddling has been one reason for its military intervention in Bahrain -- spurred in part by fears of a Shi'ite-led government emerging on its side of the Gulf.

The United States, which has sought to "get in front" of pro-democracy protests across the region, criticised Bahrain's violent political crackdown this week

But Clinton on Saturday said the United States also recognised Bahrain's "sovereign right" to call in security help from its neighbours and said the real goal was a credible, peaceful political process that can address all parties' concerns.

"We have made clear that security alone cannot resolve the challenges facing Bahrain," Clinton said. "Violence is not and cannot be the answer. A political process is."

(Editing by David Cowell)