Iran’s meddling in Bahrain

Iran’s latest remarks regarding Bahrain are not the first of such rhetoric. In fact, they are all repeats of remarks made many times by Iranian officials and they are currently carrying out their aggressions through such remarks. The question is that in such conditions after Iran has signed a nuclear agreement with the P5+1 and would logically have to refrain from such obvious meddling in Persian Gulf countries, why is Tehran actually doing all this? The answer to this question at a first glance may seem easy, that these provocative and irresponsible remarks by Iran are aimed at relieving itself of internal pressures. In my opinion this is a good start but one should not stop here and think it is as simple as that. We must also hunt for the reason behind these measures in their prospective, that Iran is seeking to conquer various other states through its “Export of Revolution” policy. These countries include Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Palestine.

Iran’s support of terrorist groups in Bahrain involves unlimited propaganda-logistical-financial backup. This support is based on establishing training camps for terrorists and providing a refuge for wanted terrorists and individuals with criminal records. Furthermore, Iran’s meddling in Bahrain has reached the point of smuggling weapons and explosives. In early August 2015 smugglers who had transferred a large amount of arms and weapons were arrested in Bahrain. These individuals admitted they were financially supported by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and provided with the confiscated ordnance. This is considered flagrant meddling, contrast to respecting the rights of good neighborliness, and also against the international customs the United Nations and Organization of Islamic Countries are founded upon.

Iran is mistaken in its evaluation of Bahrain and intends to repeat its scenario in Yemen. Whereas it needs to be taken into consideration that Yemen is a poor country in very dire economic conditions, engulfed in tribal problems and many rifts among all walks of life (making it an entirely different story that can wait for another time). However, Bahrain is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council with very intertwined relations with other members. They enjoy economic, political and strategic agreements. Bahrain has a strong and fixed economy, and this is a major reason proving the scenario in Yemen cannot be repeated in Bahrain.

However, none of the reasons I mentioned above are considered a barrier for Iran. Through their elements in Bahrain they are attempting to disrupt this country by staging numerous terrorist attacks.

However, senior Iranian officials are making one serious mistake: the political spectrum in the Middle East is very different after Tehran accepted the nuclear agreement, because the reason that led into this agreement were very specific and they must be repeated again (from the regime’s viewpoint). If they did, the Iranian regime would have been toppled in a very short amount of time starting internal uprisings. The defeat of Iran-backed proxies in Yemen is in fact very much related to the nuclear agreement. The heavy blows Bashar Assad has suffered in the past few months from the opposition are also very much related to Iran’s status quo. The current conditions in Iraq reflect the end of Iran’s meddling in this country, and this too is very much related to the nuclear agreement.

Evaluating the situation on the ground for Iran in countries like Syria, Yemen and Iraq are directly linked to one another, and the only method to confront the Iranian regime is through firm policies. Fortunately, during the recent developments in Bahrain, senior officials in this country have stood firm against Iran’s meddling and they should truly be congratulated. Anyhow, I see it as my duty to once again advise senior Bahrain officials to continue the path that you have now chosen and under no circumstances sit across one table for negotiations or appeasement.

In the news I heard a joint Arabic force is set to be formed. This force, sought by all Arab countries, can be a preventive lever in the face of Iran’s expansionism. Therefore, I see it necessary to say to all Arab countries that the only way to confront Iran is for all Arab countries to unit.