Bahrain Revokes Citizenship of 69 Individuals Over Support for Iran’s Attacks
Authorities cite national security concerns following regional escalation
Bahrain has stripped the citizenship of dozens of individuals and their relatives who expressed sympathy and praised Iran's actions during the recent escalation in conflict, according to an official statement. The decision reflects concerns over national security (امنیت ملی) [amniyat-e melli] and the perceived threat posed by expressions of support for hostile activities. Authorities stated that such actions undermine internal stability and loyalty to the state.
A total of 69 individuals were affected by the measure, as confirmed by the Interior Ministry. Officials noted that all those involved were of non-Bahraini origin (منشأ غیر بحرینی) [mansha'-e gheyr-e bahraini], a classification that plays a role in legal determinations regarding nationality status. The revocation process was carried out in accordance with existing legal frameworks governing citizenship status (وضعیت تابعیت) [vaz'iyat-e tābe'iyat].
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a royal decree directing Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad to revoke citizenship under Article 10/3 of the Bahraini Nationality Law. This legal provision allows authorities to withdraw nationality in cases involving harm to state interests (آسیب به منافع کشور) [āsib be manāfe'-e keshvar] or actions deemed inconsistent with loyalty obligations. The process requires coordination between the Interior Ministry and the cabinet, emphasizing the formal legal framework (چارچوب قانونی) [chārchub-e ghānuni] behind such decisions.
The law specifies that citizenship may be revoked "in the event of causing harm to the interests of the Kingdom or acting in a manner contrary to the duty of loyalty to it," following a recommendation by the Interior Ministry. This provision is often invoked in cases involving loyalty obligations (تعهدات وفاداری) [ta'ahodat-e vafādāri], particularly when individuals are perceived to support external threats or hostile actors.
At the same time, the Bahrain Defense Force’s General Command confirmed that "all its weapons and units are at the highest levels of readiness and defensive preparedness," according to the official news agency. This announcement underscores heightened military readiness (آمادگی نظامی) [āmādegi-ye nezāmi] amid ongoing regional tensions. Authorities also urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid suspicious objects that could be remnants of attacks, reflecting concerns about public safety (ایمنی عمومی) [imeni-ye omumi].
Additionally, officials advised the public to "exercise caution and not to approach or touch any strange or suspicious objects that may be remnants of the heinous Iranian attack." Such warnings highlight the potential risks posed by unexploded materials and reinforce broader security precautions (اقدامات احتیاطی امنیتی) [eqdāmāt-e ehtiyāti-ye amniyati] being implemented across the country.
These developments come after Bahrain experienced recurring Iranian missile and drone strikes during March and April. The attacks are part of a broader pattern of regional escalation (تشدید منطقه‌ای) [tashdid-e manteqei], which has affected multiple Gulf states. Military analysts note that such operations often target infrastructure and strategic sites, contributing to instability across the region.
Bahrain’s population is approximately 45% Shi'ite, a demographic factor often referenced in discussions about internal dynamics. "Iranian sleeper cells in the Gulf belong to several nationalities, including Arab and Asian nationalities, as well as Sh'ite citizens of the Gulf," a military source told The Media Line in March. This claim reflects ongoing concerns about covert networks (شبکه‌های مخفی) [shabakehā-ye makhfi] and their potential role in regional security challenges.
Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani addressed the United Nations Security Council, warning that Iran’s actions threaten global economic stability, particularly through risks to maritime navigation. He pointed to vulnerabilities in maritime security (امنیت دریایی) [amniyat-e daryāyi] and emphasized the strategic importance of safeguarding shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
During his remarks, Zayani highlighted a proposed resolution aimed at protecting commercial vessels operating in and around the strait. He noted that the initiative seeks to ensure uninterrupted commercial shipping (حمل‌ونقل تجاری) [haml-o naql-e tejāri] and reduce the risk of disruptions to global energy flows. If approved, the resolution would authorize "all necessary means" to secure maritime operations in the area.
He also described what he characterized as escalating Iranian aggression, including attacks using ballistic missiles and drones targeting “civilian infrastructure and vital facilities.” These incidents raise concerns about the vulnerability of essential services and underline the broader impact on critical infrastructure (زیرساخت‌های حیاتی) [zirsākht-hā-ye hayāti].
The situation reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf, where strategic waterways and energy exports play a central role in the global economy. Analysts emphasize that maintaining stability in these areas is essential for preventing disruptions to international markets. As a result, diplomatic and military responses continue to focus on mitigating risks associated with regional instability (بی‌ثباتی منطقه‌ای) [bi-sabāti-ye manteqei].
Key Persian Vocabulary
amniyat-e melli امنیت ملی national security
mansha'-e gheyr-e bahraini منشأ غیر بحرینی non-Bahraini origin
vaz'iyat-e tābe'iyat وضعیت تابعیت citizenship status
āsib be manāfe'-e keshvar آسیب به منافع کشور harm to state interests
chārchub-e ghānuni چارچوب قانونی legal framework
ta'ahodat-e vafādāri تعهدات وفاداری loyalty obligations
āmādegi-ye nezāmi آمادگی نظامی military readiness
imeni-ye omumi ایمنی عمومی public safety
eqdāmāt-e ehtiyāti-ye amniyati اقدامات احتیاطی امنیتی security precautions
tashdid-e manteqei تشدید منطقه‌ای regional escalation
shabakehā-ye makhfi شبکه‌های مخفی covert networks
amniyat-e daryāyi امنیت دریایی maritime security
haml-o naql-e tejāri حمل‌ونقل تجاری commercial shipping
zirsākht-hā-ye hayāti زیرساخت‌های حیاتی critical infrastructure
bi-sabāti-ye manteqei بی‌ثباتی منطقه‌ای regional instability
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