Iran says it has allowed an Omani team to observe the Iranian military exercises currently being staged at the mouth of the Gulf.

The Iranian news agency also quoted a senior Iranian military spokesman as saying that details regarding the manoeuvres had been communicated to the neighbouring Arab countries.

He said it was the first time Iran had made available such information ahead of exercises in the region.

Correspondents say Iran is in the process of waging a charm offensive aimed at easing suspicions of Teheran among the Gulf States.