King Hamad says Bahrain to review citizenship as authorities foil Iran-linked cells

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa said on Sunday the country has begun taking necessary measures against those who have betrayed the nation or undermined its security and stability, including “reviewing who is entitled to Bahraini citizenship and who is not,” with appropriate actions to be taken accordingly.

The move comes after authorities dismantled a number of individuals accused of coordinating with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and forming terrorist cells, with some tasked with monitoring sensitive sites in Bahrain and gathering detailed intelligence on them.

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King Hamad stressed that the state is moving forward with firm resolve to address the repercussions of the war. He noted that the crown prince has been tasked, in the next phase, with implementing comprehensive and decisive measures, including developing appropriate programs to address any gaps identified, whether in defense or the economy.

He also emphasized the immediate need to act against those who have betrayed the nation or undermined its security and stability, and to review who is entitled to Bahraini citizenship and who is not, so that the necessary measures can be applied.

He added that the situation remains sensitive and requires acting in line with national responsibility, stressing that the nation is a sacred trust and that there can be no tolerance for neglecting or compromising its duties.

Bahrain recently arrested three individuals for forming a terrorist cell linked to Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The suspects were said to have coordinated with operatives abroad and attempted to communicate with them in ways that would undermine state sovereignty, spread fear among citizens and residents, and endanger national security.

Authorities said the suspects received weapons training during trips to Lebanon after meeting members of the group. They also sent images and information related to the aftermath of Iran’s attacks on Bahrain, and raised funds under the guise of charitable work, which were then transferred to support Hezbollah activities. These steps were in preparation for being assigned to carry out terrorist operations in Bahrain, according to authorities.

Bahrain’s interior ministry also arrested five individuals and identified a sixth suspect who is believed to have fled abroad. They are accused of espionage, including collecting and passing sensitive information to Iran’s IRGC through operatives in Iran, and recruiting individuals to carry out terrorist plots targeting Bahrain. These actions were aimed at undermining state sovereignty, security institutions, and economic entities, as well as spreading fear and threatening public safety, according to authorities.

Earlier, Bahraini security forces detained six people for publishing content related to the impact of Iranian attacks on Bahrain as well as expressing sympathy for them and praising them. They were also accused of spreading false information and inciting attacks on sites within Bahrain. Manama has emphasized that its approach remains committed to peace, tolerance, and coexistence.

Bahrain expressed regret over the unprecedented attacks on the country and other Arab states, saying such actions by Iran cannot be justified under any pretext.

The Bahraini king had previously stressed that the country has been and will remain a state committed to peace, noting that it has never sought hostility with others and has consistently pursued cooperation and good neighborly relations.

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