Bahrain is an Arab nation deeply rooted in history. Its Arab identity was written by the waves of the Arabian Gulf long before it was recorded in political documents, and preserved in the memory of the Arab nation before it was affirmed by international agreements. Since the dawn of civilisation, Bahrain has been a natural extension of its Arab surroundings, and it will remain so regardless of attempts by Iranian propaganda outlets to breathe life into illusions that history has discarded and international law has rejected.
Although facts do not change through the repetition of falsehoods, Iranian media outlets, led by the newspaper Kayhan, have once again revived their allegations regarding Bahrain in an apparent attempt to divert attention from the crises and pressures facing the Iranian regime by reopening issues that history has moved beyond and international law has already settled.
This approach confirms that Iran’s clerical establishment has not abandoned its policy of interfering in the affairs of neighbouring countries, nor its continued attempts to sow discord and division between Arab peoples and their leaders.
Bahrain’s steadfast stance in confronting Iranian hostility, together with its unwavering support for the security of the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan, represents another chapter that reflects the kingdom’s commitment to its Arab identity and demonstrates the failure of all attempts to cast doubt on its national identity or undermine its sovereignty.
I would say to Hossein Shariatmadari, the editor-in-chief of Kayhan, before speaking about Bahrain, you should study history more deeply, particularly the history of the Shariatmadari family. As is well known, Mohammad Kazem Shariatmadari opposed Khomeini because he believed that clerics should distance themselves from politics. Nevertheless, the current regime forced him to live in isolation in his home until his death.
If you truly belong to this family, then there is no doubt that you are far removed from the values and principles for which Kazem Shariatmadari paid a heavy price, despite the fact that it was he who conferred the rank of “Ayatollah” upon Khomeini, helping save him from execution during the reign of the Shah.
Unfortunately, what Khomeini did to the man is aptly described by the Arab proverb: “Do not bestow kindness upon those who do not deserve it.”
Mr Hossein Shariatmadari, your rhetoric reflects not only ignorance of history but also a deliberate disregard for facts. You should know that the Al Khalifa state was established in Bahrain in 1783, making it older than the Qajar dynasty, the Pahlavi dynasty, and even the years of clerical rule in Iran combined. The founder of the Qajar state, Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, reportedly began planning the establishment of the Qajar state in 1791 in consultation with his adviser Sheikh Mohammad Jafar Tankabani, a fact documented in writings about Mohammad Khan Qajar.
It is evident that the timing chosen by Iranian media outlets for reviving these allegations is not coincidental. Their claims are repeated in contexts aimed at inciting Arab peoples against their leaders and spreading division and discord – a policy that successive experiences have shown to be unsuccessful in the face of public awareness and national cohesion.
The Bahraini people have repeatedly demonstrated that they are far too aware to be deceived by such claims. They have rallied around their leadership, upheld their Arab and Gulf identity, and rejected subservience to any external agendas or projects targeting their national unity. Kayhan and those who echo its falsehoods should understand that the measures taken by Bahrain have been aimed at protecting its national security and preserving domestic stability. This is a sovereign responsibility guaranteed under international law and an obligation dictated by security concerns in the face of external threats and interference.
The kingdom has sought to address any actions affecting its security through legal and institutional frameworks that uphold the rule of law and safeguard societal security and stability, without resorting to excesses or practices outside the bounds of justice.
At the same time, international human rights reports continue to document executions of dissidents in Iran. Moreover, there is an undeniable irony in the fact that the Iranian regime, which accuses neighbouring countries and speaks of the rights of peoples, is facing ongoing domestic criticism regarding its policies towards various ethnic and national groups.
Numerous reports point to restrictions and discriminatory practices affecting groups such as Kurds, Baloch, Arabs, and others, highlighting a clear contradiction between Iran’s external political rhetoric and its internal practices.
To the newspaper Kayhan, I say: look at yourselves before pointing fingers at us. The difference between us is vast. Arab Bahrain safeguards the religious freedom of its citizens and residents and guarantees them a dignified life, whereas the clerical regime in Tehran stands accused of numerous human rights violations against both its own people and its neighbours.
Perhaps the fundamental truth overlooked by the proponents of these claims is that historical realities do not change through repeated allegations, nor can they be erased through fabricated narratives designed to serve political illusions.
Bahrain’s sovereignty and Arab identity have been determined by the will of its people and affirmed by international legitimacy, and they will remain enduring facts that cannot be undermined by campaigns of incitement or dreams of expansionism.
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