Bahrain revokes nationality of dozens over 'support' for Iran's attacks

MANAMA – Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior announced on Monday that it has revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals and their families, accusing them of “expressing sympathy and glorifying the sinful hostile acts of Iran.”

The decision marks a significant escalation in the kingdom’s domestic security response following a period of heightened regional tensions in which several Gulf states were targeted by Iranian attacks, in retaliation for US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on 28 February.

Bahrain was among the countries affected during the escalation, prompting a wider security crackdown and legal measures against individuals accused of undermining national stability.

In a statement, authorities said the move formed part of ongoing efforts to protect national security and public order, particularly in the aftermath of what officials described as “foreign-backed hostile activity” during the regional conflict.

The latest revocation follows a series of arrests and investigations in recent months involving individuals accused of espionage and links to external networks.

Bahraini authorities said three people were recently detained after forming what they described as an “terrorist cell affiliated with Hezbollah,” alleging coordination with foreign operatives aimed at undermining state sovereignty and spreading fear among civilians.

Officials further alleged that those arrested had travelled to Lebanon, where they received weapons training after meeting members of the group, and later transmitted images and information related to the impact of Iranian attacks on Bahrain. They were also accused of collecting funds under charitable pretences and transferring them to support activities linked to Hezbollah.

The public prosecution has said investigations were conducted during March and April into suspected espionage activity on behalf of Iran, amid heightened alert levels across the country.

Authorities have also tightened surveillance of online platforms, warning that the dissemination of content deemed supportive of hostile activity or destabilisation efforts will be treated as a national security offence.

The measures follow recent directives from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who ordered swift action against individuals accused of betraying the country or threatening its security during the Iranian attacks.

According to the Bahrain News Agency, the king instructed officials to immediately take “necessary measures” against those who “betrayed the homeland” and to review citizenship eligibility for individuals deemed to have undermined national stability.

He also referenced what he described as the “brutal war and unjustified Iranian attacks” on Bahrain and other Gulf states during recent regional escalations.

The king said the country had overcome the crisis through the efficiency of its defence and security forces and civil defence, as well as national unity, adding that the government was pursuing a disciplined and structured response to the situation.

He further tasked Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa with implementing “comprehensive and decisive measures” in the coming phase, including addressing gaps identified in both the defence and economic sectors.

The citizenship revocations come amid heightened Gulf security concerns following the broader US-Israel-Iran confrontation that has disrupted regional stability, energy markets, and maritime security across the Gulf.

Gulf states have since increased internal security measures, particularly targeting suspected foreign influence networks, online activity, and alleged links to militant organisations.

Bahrain’s latest action underscores a broader regional trend of tightening domestic controls in response to external threats, as governments move to pre-empt perceived security risks linked to Iran-aligned actors and regional proxy networks.