Tehran Calls Bahrain's Accusation of 'Arms Smuggling' 'Counterproductive'

Following the publication of a statement by the Bahraini government regarding the arrest of individuals attempting to smuggle weapons from Iran to that country, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has rejected the accusation, stating that it is an attempt to hinder the advancement of relations between Tehran and the Gulf countries. The Bahraini Ministry of Interior, in a statement released on July 25, announced the arrest of two men who intended to import weapons after their boats were seized on the shores of the country. According to this statement, which was quoted by the French news agency AFP, automatic weapons, C4 explosive materials, and ammunition were seized from these two men. Bahrain claims that the two were attempting to throw the weapons into the water as a Bahraini helicopter approached. The statement also mentions that one of these individuals had received training in Iran related to making and using explosives. Bahrain alleges that this man had received money from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to buy a boat and had also received the weapons on the Iranian shore. Hours later, Iran responded to these accusations. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, who is traveling to meet with officials from some Arab countries, told reporters in Kuwait, 'I clearly state that Bahrain's claims are absolutely untrue, and raising such claims is an attempt to prevent any progress in cooperation between Iran and the Gulf countries.' Marzieh Afkham, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, also rejected these accusations in Tehran, stating, 'Such counterproductive methods will not undermine the serious will and determination of the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue and pursue a responsible and confidence-building regional policy aimed at regional cooperation, especially against threats such as extremism and terrorism.' The relationship between Tehran and Manama, which has faced ups and downs, has once again become tense. In recent days, remarks by Ayatollah Khamenei, stating that Iran will not abandon its 'friends' in countries like Bahrain, provoked an official reaction from Manama. Tehran is accused of supporting a group of predominantly Shia opposition in Bahrain, a country where power is mainly held by Sunni Muslims. Similar accusations against Tehran regarding support for Shia-affiliated groups extend from Syria and Lebanon to Yemen. Bahrain labeled the recent remarks by Ayatollah Khamenei as interference in its affairs and shortly thereafter recalled its ambassador from Tehran for consultations.