RIYADH, Jan 27: Saudi Arabia told an Iranian envoy this month that Tehran was putting the Gulf region in danger, in a reference to Iran's conflict with Washington over Iraq and nuclear policy, a newspaper said.

In the interview in Kuwait's Al-Seyassah on Saturday, King Abdullah also issued a veiled warning to Iran to quit what he said were efforts to `spread Shiaism’ in the Arab world.

“Saudi leaders and the Saudi state have always known their limits in dealing with nations, east and west. I explained this to Ali Larijani and advised him to pass it on to his government and its followers, with regard to foreign dealings,” he said.“The dangers it (Iranian government) could fall into will fall upon all of us.”

Saudi sources have said Larijani, Iran's top nuclear negotiator, visited Riyadh this month to seek help with Washington and reassure Saudi Arabia over the nuclear programme.

King Abdullah also appeared to accuse Iran of exploiting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for its own ends. “The Arabs alone should solve the issue of Palestine ... We don't want anyone to trade in our issues and become stronger through them,” he said.

Iran is backing Palestinian group Hamas, which is in conflict with western countries because it refuses to recognise Israel before entering into peace negotiations. It also backs Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is leading a popular campaign to bring down the western-backed government.

Arab states have had difficulty persuading the United States to restart peace talks leading to a state for the Palestinians.

Rashid Husain in Riyadh adds: King Abdullah also said attempts by Iran to `promote Shiaism’ in the Arab world would not succeed. .

“We are alert to developments and are aware of the extent of Shia influence (from Iran) and how far it has got.”