Arrest of 'Iran-Linked Group' in Bahrain; Iranian Foreign Ministry: Absurd

In response to Bahrain's new accusation against the Islamic Republic following the arrest of several individuals in the country, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Friday, September 3, described the accusation as 'baseless' and a 'failed security method.' The Bahraini Ministry of Interior announced in a statement published on Thursday that seven individuals had been arrested in the country, who, according to the ministry, are connected to Iran. According to the Bahraini website 'Gulf News,' Bahraini security forces have 'dismantled a terrorist cell with ten members' whose leader 'has fled to Iran.' The report also stated that these individuals are 'suspected of engaging in terrorist activities.' According to 'Gulf News,' these individuals had also hidden dozens of kilograms of powerful explosives in their residence. One day later, Bahram Qasemi, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, reacted to this news, calling it 'baseless and absurd' and stated: 'The Islamic Republic of Iran has never promoted violence and destabilizing actions in neighboring countries, including Bahrain.' According to Tasnim News Agency, Mr. Qasemi further advised Bahraini officials to 'abandon failed security methods and reliance on foreigners.' While Iran has consistently denied interference in neighboring countries, including Arab states in the Persian Gulf, these Arab countries insist on this accusation and accuse Tehran of attempting to influence their internal affairs. Bahrain and Kuwait have reported several times on the arrest of 'Iran-linked' agents. Less than two weeks ago, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior announced that after a week of investigation, 12 members of a group linked to Iran and Hezbollah had been arrested. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior described this group as 'terrorist.'