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(CNN) -- Iran expelled three Kuwaiti diplomats last week in retaliation for Kuwait's expulsion of three Iranian diplomats a week ago, Iran's official Press TV reported Sunday.

Kuwait claimed the expelled Iranians were linked to a spy network operating out of the Iranian embassy in Kuwait City, with the alleged network aimed at gathering information about U.S. military facilities in Kuwait, Press TV reported.

Iranian officials denied their diplomats were involved in spying, suggesting it was a U.S. plot intended to gain support for "the current crackdown on popular movements in the region," Press TV said.

The United States has operated military bases in Kuwait since American troops arrived there in 1991 in the battle to drive Saddam Hussein's invading Iraqi troops from the region.