Bahrain-Iran Relations: Understanding Safety Concerns And Tensions

Bahrain and Iran have had a strained relationship since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, with geopolitical issues such as interpretations of Islam, relations with Western countries, and Iran's criticism of Bahrain for hosting the US Fifth Fleet causing friction. Bahrain has also accused Iran of supporting anti-government groups and terrorist activities within its borders, and the two countries severed diplomatic ties in 2016. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to improve relations, with Iran's foreign minister visiting Bahrain in 2024 and both countries engaging in joint economic ventures. Bahrain has also taken steps to enhance security and counter terrorism, working closely with the US and other allies. While there have been no reported terrorist attacks in Bahrain in recent years, the threat remains, and the country continues to be vigilant against potential attacks, particularly from Iran-backed groups.

Bahrain's relations with Iran

Bahrain and Iran have had a strained relationship since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, with the two countries disagreeing on various geopolitical issues such as the interpretation of Islam, the Awakening of the Islamic world, and relations with the US, Europe, and other Western countries. Iran has also been critical of Bahrain's close relationship with the US, particularly regarding the US Fifth Fleet's presence in the Persian Gulf.

Historically, Iran had a claim to Bahrain until 1970 when Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi abandoned this claim, and the two countries signed a demarcation agreement. However, following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran sought to export its Islamic revolution throughout the Muslim world, particularly the Arab world. This led to a revolution attempt in Bahrain by Shia fundamentalists, which the Bahraini government viewed as an attempt by Iran to overthrow their Sunni government. Iran denied involvement, but the incident strained relations further.

In 2007, Iran and Bahrain began to enjoy closer relations, with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visiting Bahrain and discussing future agreements, including the supply of natural gas. However, relations deteriorated again following the 2011 protests in Bahrain, with Iran expressing strong support for the demonstrators, most of whom followed Shia Islam. Bahrain accused Iran of inciting upheaval and expelled Iran's ambassador, with Iran reciprocating.

In 2015, Bahrain recalled its ambassador from Tehran and ordered the Iranian acting chargé d'affaires to leave the country, citing Iranian interference in its internal affairs. This came after the discovery of a large bomb-making factory and weapons stash believed to be linked to Iran. Iran retaliated by expelling the number two official in Bahrain's embassy in Tehran.

In 2016, Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Iran following the attack on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran and the execution of a prominent Shia cleric by Saudi Arabia. However, in 2024, Bahrain restored diplomatic relations with Iran.

More recently, Bahrain's decision to establish official ties with Israel in 2020 angered the Iranian leadership, who accused Bahrain of working with Zionist groups. Additionally, amidst public unrest in Iran, the Iranian government has made renewed territorial claims over Bahrain, which Bahrain views as a threat to its sovereignty. Despite these tensions, there is an expectation that Bahrain and Iran will resume diplomatic relations in the near future, following the resumption of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Iran's support for terrorism in Bahrain

Iran has a long history of supporting terrorist groups in Bahrain. In 2019, a Bahraini court sentenced 139 people to prison for forming terrorist groups backed by Iran, with a total of 169 people arrested. The Iranian government has also been known to provide weapons, support, and training to local Shia militant groups in Bahrain, including the al-Ashtar Brigades and Saraya al-Mukhtar, both U.S.-designated terrorist groups.

In 2015, the Bahraini government recalled its ambassador from Tehran and ordered the Iranian acting chargé d'affaires to leave the country within 3 days. This was in response to Iran's continued meddling in the kingdom's affairs, particularly its support for terrorist groups and attempts to create sectarian strife.

Bahrain's foreign minister has also accused Iran of supporting terrorist groups and militias in the region, as well as providing arms to proxy groups and terrorists. The U.S. State Department's Country Reports on Terrorism 2018 asserted that Bahrain had made gains in detecting and containing terrorist threats from Bahraini Shiite terrorists, often backed by Iran.

In addition, Iran has been implicated in several plots and attacks in Bahrain. For example, in 2015, the Bahrain Interior Ministry announced the arrest of five members of a terrorist group linked to a bombing attack in Sitra. The group was believed to have received aid and training from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Bahrain's security measures against Iran

Bahrain has taken several measures to ensure its security against Iran. Here are some of the key strategies:

• Bahrain has cracked down on its Shia population, putting thousands in jail, in response to the failed 1979 revolution attempt by Bahraini Shia fundamentalists. This was seen as a way to prevent a recurrence and further sour relations with Iran.
• Bahrain has accused Iran of supporting terrorist groups and inciting upheaval in the country. In 2019, a Bahraini court sentenced 139 people to prison for forming terrorist groups backed by Iran, arresting a total of 169 people.
• Bahrain has recalled its ambassador from Tehran and ordered the expulsion of Iranian diplomats in response to "continued Iranian meddling" and attempts to create "sectarian strife."
• Bahrain has severed diplomatic relations with Iran on multiple occasions, such as in 2016 after the attack on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran and again in 2015 after Iran's Supreme Leader voiced support for the oppressed people of Bahrain.
• Bahrain has fostered close relations with Saudi Arabia, the United States, and other Western countries, which share its suspicions of Iranian support for anti-government groups. This has led to joint security initiatives and military cooperation.
• Bahrain has hosted and participated in international meetings and conferences to discuss strategies to counter Iranian aggression and enhance maritime security in the region.
• Bahrain has taken legal action against Iranian banks and financial institutions, such as convicting and penalizing the Iran-owned Future Bank for money laundering.
• Bahrain has established security partnerships with the United States, such as the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA), aimed at deterring conflict and enhancing regional stability.
• Bahrain has welcomed the designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization by the United States and supported efforts to extend the arms embargo on Iran.
• Bahrain has fostered close ties with Israel, establishing official relations and signing security agreements. This has included the posting of an Israeli military officer in the country as part of an international coalition.

Bahrain's foreign allies against Iran

Bahrain has a number of foreign allies that could help protect it from Iran.

Firstly, Bahrain is a close ally of Saudi Arabia, and has endorsed the Trump administration's aggressive posture against Iran. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have a history of cooperation, with Saudi forces being deployed to Bahrain under the GCC's Joint Defence Agreement during the 2011 protests. In addition, Saudi Arabia, along with the UAE and Kuwait, has stepped up efforts to support Bahrain's economy.

Secondly, Bahrain has strong ties with the United States. The two countries signed a ten-year agreement in 1991, granting American forces access to Bahraini facilities. In 2003, the US designated Bahrain as a major non-NATO ally, and the US 5th Fleet is headquartered in Bahrain.

Thirdly, Bahrain has been an active member of coalitions supported by the US, such as the coalition to fight the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001, and the coalition to liberate Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War in 1990-91.

Bahrain also has strong ties with the United Kingdom, which has a military base in the country. Bahrain gained independence from the UK in 1971 and has maintained diplomatic and trade relations since.

In addition, Bahrain has established diplomatic relations with Israel, signing a normalization agreement in 2020. This move was prompted by tensions with Iran and was denounced by Iranian officials.

Finally, Bahrain is a member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), which includes five other Persian Gulf states. The GCC has taken a strong stance against Iran, denouncing its destabilising behaviour in the region and its support for terrorism. The GCC has also welcomed diplomatic engagement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and has expressed hope that talks will lead to a positive outcome.

Iran's historical claims to Bahrain

Iran's historical claim to Bahrain is rooted in its historical association with the ancient Persian Empire. The demand for Bahrain's return to Iran was first raised in 1927 by Reza Shah during talks between Iran and Britain concerning various disputed issues.

In the second half of the 19th century, the Sunni Sheikhs of the Al-Khalifa family achieved British recognition of the islands as British protectorates, effectively ending Iranian control over Bahrain. However, Iran continued to assert its claim to Bahrain, with Reza Shah's son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, renewing the demand as part of Iran's efforts to expand its influence in the Persian Gulf region.

In 1954, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a memo to foreign embassies in Tehran, stating that Bahrain was an integral part of Iran and that foreign planes could not transfer passengers or goods to other parts of the country without Iran's approval. Iran continued to emphasise its claim during negotiations for regional defence alliances and the Suez Crisis of 1956, leveraging Western concerns about the rise of Arabic radicalism to strengthen its position.

In 1957, the Iranian Interior Ministry submitted a bill to recognise Bahrain as Iran's 14th province, reflecting the country's determination to secure British acknowledgment of its claims and its unique status in the region. However, it became evident during talks between Iran and Britain that the British were unwilling to discuss Iranian claims to Bahrain.

In 1970, a plebiscite was conducted by the United Nations to determine the political future of Bahrain. The majority of Bahrainis voted in favour of independence, and Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi abandoned Iran's historic claim to the territory. Despite this, tensions between the two countries have persisted, influenced by geopolitical issues, interpretations of Islam, and relations with Western nations.

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