Bahrain has stripped 69 individuals of their citizenship over alleged ties to Iran, amid rising regional tensions following recent conflict in the Gulf.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 27, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior said those affected—along with some of their dependents—were found to have supported what it described as “hostile Iranian acts,” including cooperation with foreign entities. While authorities released a list of those impacted, no detailed information was provided بشأن their current status.
The move has sparked criticism from rights organisations. The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy said it marks the country’s first mass revocation of citizenship since 2019, raising concerns about due process and transparency. The group also highlighted uncertainty over whether those affected have been detained or possess alternative nationalities.
The development follows weeks of heightened instability in the region after Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf states, including Bahrain, in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes that began in late February. Although a ceasefire announced on April 8 has halted active hostilities, tensions remain elevated.
Other Gulf countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, have also stepped up actions against suspected Iran-linked networks.
Within Bahrain, the situation is particularly sensitive. The country is governed by a Sunni leadership but has a majority Shia population, where longstanding concerns over political and social marginalisation persist. Groups such as Human Rights Watch have recently warned of a wave of arrests linked to the ongoing crisis, with some detainees accused of treason and others reportedly held for participating in protests.
The latest citizenship revocations underscore the growing tension between national security measures and civil liberties as Gulf states respond to regional instability.
