Bahrain's king is calling for an Arab summit to discuss efforts to calm the region amid widening protests inspired by the toppling of Tunisia's iron-rule regime.

The state-run Bahrain News Agency says King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa urged the emergency Arab meeting in a telephone call with President Hosni Mubarak.

The agency's report said Thursday that the king pledged support for Mubarak, a key Western ally who has faced ongoing street protests demanding an end to his nearly 30-year rule.

Major anti-government demonstrations also have broken out in Yemen. Bahrain is among the most volatile nations in the Gulf. Last year, majority Shias staged widespread riots after a security crackdown by Sunni rulers.