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On Tuesday, Iran sharpened the tensions, condemning Bahrain for inviting the Saudi troops. Bahrain recalled its ambassador to Iran and complained that Tehran was meddling. U.S. officials are trying to avert a struggle between Shiites and Sunnis powerbalance that could spread, potentially threatening the stability of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The Obama administration is taking pains not to alienate the Bahrainis, who provide a home for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, or the Saudis, a strategic partner on oil, counter-terrorism and regional diplomacy, such as the containment of Iran. Stephen McInerney, executive director of the Project on Middle East power balance wholesale Democracy, said the administration already is perceived as supporting the Bahraini and Saudi governments' approach, a perception that would be strengthened if the protests were snuffed out. As the Saudi troops moved in this week, "the perception on the street has been, 'This would not be happening without U.S. support,' " he said. The White House stepped up its criticism of the military intervention Tuesday but stopped short of condemning Saudi Arabia. "There is no military solution to the problems in Bahrain," Tommy power balance wholesale Vietor, spokesman for the National Security Council, said in a statement. "A political solution is necessary, and all sides must now work to produce a dialogue that addresses the needs of all of Bahrain's citizens."