Updated

Iran's foreign minister says his nation and Kuwait's leaders have agreed to allow the return of ambassadors recalled in a dispute over an alleged Iranian spy ring.

The accord is part of efforts to ease tensions after Kuwait accused Iran of masterminding an espionage ring that included surveillance of U.S. and Kuwaiti military sites. Iran denies the claims, but they led both nations to expel diplomats in recent months and withdraw ambassadors.

The official news agency KUNA says Iran's foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, held talks Wednesday with Kuwait's emir and other top officials.

Iran's relations with Gulf Arab nations are under severe strain. Iran has sharply criticized a Gulf force aiding Bahrain's crackdown on protesters.