Iran Criticizes Dissolution of Al-Wefaq Society in Bahrain

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry described the dissolution of the Al-Wefaq Society as a "counterproductive action" aimed at "intensifying organized pressures on moderate figures and societies" in Bahrain, warning that "such behaviors will complicate the situation further." According to the state news agency IRNA, Bahram Qasemi emphasized on Sunday, July 18, that the dissolution of "moderate and centrist societies" and the revocation of citizenship from political and religious leaders "respected by the people of Bahrain" is "not in the interests of the Bahraini government." He warned that "such behaviors will pave the way for those seeking non-peaceful approaches." The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson advised Bahraini officials to refrain from "intensifying purely security and police approaches" and to take "confidence-building measures" to create the necessary grounds for "serious, constructive dialogue and greater convergence" within Bahraini society. Reports indicate that a court in Bahrain issued a ruling on Sunday to dissolve the opposition party "Al-Wefaq" and confiscate its assets. This new ruling from Bahrain's judiciary comes after last month, a judicial ruling revoked the citizenship of Sheikh Isa Qassim, a prominent Shiite cleric in Bahrain. On Saturday, the Bahraini prosecutor stated that Sheikh Isa Qassim would be tried next month on charges of money laundering and acquiring assets illegally. Following the revocation of Isa Qassim's citizenship, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force, made separate and strong statements promising the destruction of the Bahraini government. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, also considered the Bahraini government's "attack" on Sheikh Isa Qassim as a sign of the "foolishness" of that government, stating that this issue means removing the barrier for "the epic and passionate youth of Bahrain" to take any action against the government. The Bahraini government accuses the Islamic Republic of Iran of inciting protests and supporting the protesters, but Iran has denied these accusations.