Bahrain: Gulf Countries Are Serious About Countering Iran's Policies

On Friday, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Foreign Minister of Bahrain, stated that Arab Gulf countries are prepared to confront Iran's policies in the region. He also advised Tehran to change its approach in the region. Speaking to the Saudi-affiliated news network Al Arabiya, the Bahraini Foreign Minister denied any disagreements with the United States regarding Iran. Last month, U.S. President Barack Obama advised Saudi Arabia and Iran to find an 'effective way to share the region.' However, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa emphasized that Bahrain's relations with Washington remain strong. Following protests in Arab countries during the 'Arab Spring,' tensions in relations between Iran and Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, have escalated. Last year, after the execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia, several people attacked the Saudi embassy and consulate in Tehran and Mashhad. In response to these attacks, Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic relations with Iran, and Bahrain followed suit a day later. Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stated, 'We are sending a message to Iran and its supporters in the region. We are now serious about confronting (Iran) and have no doubts about defending our people, countries, interests, and our brothers in the region, as this is vital for us.' In recent years, Bahrain has accused Iran of interfering in its internal affairs and arming opposing Shia groups, which Iran denies. However, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa emphasized that if Iran changes its approach in the region, the Arab Gulf countries are ready to experience a new era of relations with Iran. The Bahraini Foreign Minister stated that an important step is for Iran to change its foreign policy towards the countries in the region, which should include ceasing support for groups like Hezbollah. Last month, Bahrain's Ministry of Interior announced the expulsion of several Lebanese individuals in the country on charges of connections with the Shia militant group Hezbollah. This came after the Gulf Cooperation Council declared Hezbollah a terrorist organization earlier this month. The Gulf Cooperation Council members include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.