Bahrain Summons Iranian Chargé d'Affaires in Protest Against Khamenei's Remarks

Bahrain summoned the Iranian chargé d'affaires in the country in protest against the recent statements made by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, part of which pertained to Iran's policies in the Middle East, including Bahrain. The official Bahrain News Agency reported on July 19 that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain presented its formal protest to Morteza Sanoubi, the Iranian chargé d'affaires, regarding 'Ali Khamenei's remarks against the Kingdom of Bahrain.' According to the French news agency, Abdullah Abdulatif Abdullah, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Bahrain, described Ayatollah Khamenei's statements as interference in the internal affairs of the country and 'unacceptable.' One day prior, during a speech related to Eid al-Fitr, the Supreme Leader stated that Iran's policies towards the United States would not change and that Tehran would not abandon support for its 'friends' in the region. These remarks were made in connection with the nuclear agreement reached between Iran and six world powers, a deal that significantly resulted from direct negotiations between the foreign ministers of Iran and the United States. In his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq, stating that 'whether this text (of the agreement) is approved or not, we will not abandon support for our friends in the region.' Iran is considered a supporter of Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, certain Shiite groups in Iraq and Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and some Shiite opposition groups in Bahrain. Opponents of the Bahraini government are calling for the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the election of a prime minister to govern the state. Tehran has not yet reacted to the recent events in Manama. The Iranian chargé d'affaires has been summoned on other occasions in protest against Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks regarding that country, including last May when Manama described the Supreme Leader's statements about 'supporting the oppressed people of Bahrain' as 'clear interference' in its internal affairs.