Manama: Iran has been slammed for interfering in the affairs of Bahrain and the GCC and pursuing policies to create unrest by smuggling weapons and explosives.
Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa in a candid discussion with religious, political and business leaders in Bahrain made it clear that Bahrain will remain an “Arab State” and warned against those who try to divided the society.
He said the tactics used in Bahrain were public knowledge and were the same tactics being repeated in other countries, especially Arab countries that open their doors to co-operate with Iran.
“The presence of Iranian forces in those countries is not to protect Arabism but to achieve Persian interests and greed,” he said.
“We don’t accuse anyone without solid evidence.”
The minister said the Arab and foreign media have focused on Iranian interference in Bahrain and other GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as other Arab countries.
“This is exactly the interference we have described for many years," he added.
“Unfortunately, the reaction to what we said was insignificant compared to the damage the interference caused.”
The minister said during the meeting on Sunday that since the outbreak of anti-government protests in 2011 "Iran has tried to exploit Bahrain’s politics, economy and social fabric to achieve its expansion purposes".
“They have targeted the security and stability of the nation with weapons and explosives shipments," he said.
"They have also attempted to destabilise the government and harm the economy."
There are terrorist groups in Bahrain that have received training in Iran, Iraq and Syria and that are linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah, added the minister.
"Iran offers financial support, weapons and explosives that are smuggled into the country that has led to death and injury of several policemen," he said.
“Seventeen policemen have been killed in the line of duty and thousands have been injured.
“In addition, many people have been arrested and convicted for their role in these crimes."
The minister said that top leaders in Iran, their advisors and other officials spread their agenda through the media that was designed to work against Bahrain.
“I don’t know exactly how many they are - I don’t watch them,” he added.
Shaikh Rashid also spoke of attempts to disrupt national unity by igniting sectarian extremism to create sedition between citizens.
Regarding security procedures in Bahrain, the minister said they have taken steps to update these areas and confront the risk of terrorism.
The most recent counter- terrorism operation was on November 5 and resulted in the arrest of 76 people suspected of having links to an Iranian-backed terrorist cell, he cited.
"The Iranian plot in Bahrain and the reckless plans to spread chaos and disturb general order has failed," he said.
“These foreign plots were adopted by groups of extremists in Bahrain who pretended to work within a peaceful political framework but their dangerous goals have been discovered.
“I’m asking, should those who joined Iran or sought out foreign embassies to discuss our national policies and sovereignty be part of democratic life and political reform?
“Those who have said Bahrain is the Gulf’s gateway to Saudi Arabia are correct.
“Bahrain is the fort in the Arabian Gulf that stands against foreign greed in past, present and the future.”
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