In Response to Khamenei's Remarks, Bahrain Summons Iranian Chargé d'Affaires

The Bahraini Foreign Ministry has once again summoned the Iranian chargé d'affaires in Manama in protest against the statements made by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic. On Sunday, October 5, Fars News Agency reported, citing Bahrain's official news agency, BNA, that a deputy foreign minister of Bahrain emphasized that Khamenei's recent positions signify "interference in Bahrain's internal affairs and are contrary to United Nations laws." In a message published on Wednesday, October 1, on the occasion of the Hajj Congress, Ayatollah Khamenei made a general reference to the internal conditions in Bahrain, mentioning it alongside Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza, stating that the "heartbreaking events" in these countries are the result of a "global arrogance conspiracy." Bahrain is a regional ally of Saudi Arabia, while Iran supports opposition groups in the country and accuses Manama of suppressing dissent. Following the incident at the Jamarat, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of pilgrims during Hajj rituals, Khamenei sharply criticized the Saudi government, calling for accountability regarding this incident, but his last public remark referencing Bahrain goes back to the same message on the occasion of the Hajj Congress. The Bahraini deputy foreign minister, however, labeled these remarks as "irresponsible" and urged officials to cease such statements. Khamenei's comments had previously led to the summoning of the Iranian chargé d'affaires to the Bahraini Foreign Ministry in late July. At that time, the Supreme Leader had stated that the Iran nuclear deal with global powers would not stop Iran from supporting its friends in the region, mentioning Bahrain along with Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Iraq. However, the Bahraini Foreign Ministry described these remarks as "hostile to the Bahraini monarchy" and "unacceptable." In this context, Bahrain recalled its ambassador from Tehran, reacting to Bahrain's accusations against Iran. Zarif called for the establishment of a "regional dialogue forum" in the Middle East. Bahrain reported the arrest of five suspects linked to bombings associated with Iran. Iran warned Saudi Arabia to end policies that have set the region ablaze. Bahrain called for the deployment of ground forces in Yemen. The article also touches on various geopolitical tensions and the radicalization of Iranian society amidst ongoing crises.