Gulf States Unite Against Alleged Iran-Linked Interference
Gulf Cooperation Council unites to support Bahrain against alleged Iran-linked aggression, strengthening collective defense and regional security.
Gulf states have expressed strong support for Bahrain after its king alleged Iranian interference and aggression. The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) pledged full backing for Manama’s ongoing security measures, emphasizing unity among member states.
GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi reaffirmed the alliance’s "full solidarity" with Bahrain, endorsing its efforts to safeguard national stability and citizen safety. He underscored that Bahrain's security is "an integral part" of the collective safety and stability of all GCC member nations, emphasizing that the six-country alliance would act together to counter any threats.
The declaration followed a firm statement from Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who condemned Iran’s actions and demanded an end to interference in both Bahrain’s internal affairs and those of other Gulf states. The king accused Iran of engaging in "heinous aggression" aimed at destabilizing Bahrain’s security.
Other Gulf capitals have echoed this position, with officials across the region united in condemning Iranian actions and pledging unwavering support for Bahrain.
The escalation occurred as all six GCC countries faced attacks during Iran’s retaliation campaign, launched in response to US and Israeli strikes in late February. Although Tehran claimed it was targeting American interests, Gulf sites ranging from energy infrastructure and airports to residential areas and hotels came under assault from missiles and drones. This wave of aggression has galvanized the Gulf nations toward strengthening collective deterrence, with leaders increasingly focused on expediting a joint air and missile defense shield.
Bahrain reported its air defenses intercepted 194 Iranian missiles and 523 drones before a ceasefire took effect on April 8. As the host of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, Bahrain has since implemented tighter internal security protocols to safeguard against further threats.
King Hamad has stated the recent escalation revealed individuals collaborating with external adversaries, denouncing such actions as "betrayal that cannot be forgiven." He declared that loyalty to the state is non-negotiable and vowed to ensure accountability through rigorous enforcement of the law.
In a series of legal actions, a Bahraini court sentenced five individuals to life imprisonment for plotting "terrorist and hostile acts" in collaboration with Iran, while another 25 received sentences of up to 10 years for supporting Iranian aggression. Additionally, the kingdom revoked the citizenship of 69 people accused of sympathizing with Tehran and its activities.
Earlier in March, Bahrain charged 14 individuals with spying for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, accusing them of receiving funds, leaking state secrets, and undergoing military training.
At a recently held GCC summit in Jeddah, regional leaders highlighted the urgency of intensifying military collaboration and accelerating efforts to establish a joint early-warning system to counter ballistic missile threats.
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AI contributed to the creation of this article.