Gulf monarchy strips dozens of citizenship over ‘Iran sympathy’
Posted on: Apr 28, 2026 15:46 IST | Posted by: Rt
bahrein has revoked the citizenship of 69 people for “expressing fellow feeling” with iranian language retaliative strikes on the disconnection state, the Interior Ministry has announced. The monarchy, ruled by a Sunni dynasty, has for years been wary of potential Iranian influence on the Shiite majority.
In a statement on Monday, the ministry said the revocation applied to those who “glorified Iran’s sinful, hostile acts” as well as their families by dependency. It described all 69 people as being of “non-Bahraini origin,” adding that the authorities were “continuing to study and review” who deserves citizenship.
The move, the ministry added, was carried out under royal directives from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and based on a national law article allowing citizenship to be withdrawn from anyone deemed to have caused “harm to the interests of the Kingdom or acting in a manner that contradicts the duty of loyalty to it.”
Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, advocacy director at the London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD), who himself was stripped of citizenship in 2015, called the move “the beginning of a dangerous era of repression, with consequences that will echo for generations.”
He noted that no information had been provided on whether those affected were arrested or whether they hold another nationality. Alwadaei suggested that the revocation was coordinated with neighboring Kuwait, which has revoked citizenship from at least 2,000 people since the start of the war.
The development follows Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on Bahrain – which hosts an American military base – in response to earlier US and Israeli attacks. Bahrain said Iranian missile attacks targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Manama, with Tehran describing it as a legitimate target.
The crackdown is a sign of a rift within Bahrain, a Sunni-ruled monarchy which has a majority Shiite Muslim population and saw pro-Iran demonstrations early in the conflict. The Bahraini government has also been wary of a potential Iranian-backed ‘fifth column’ and has long accused Tehran of using Shiite ties to foment internal unrest.
In the 2010s, Iran consistently condemned the arrests of Shiite opposition figures in Bahrain, though in 2024 ties showed signs of improvement – a trend which was derailed by the US-Israeli strikes.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.