Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian attacks on Bahrain: Solidarity and regional security
In a move reflecting the depth of the fraternal relations and strategic alliance between the two countries, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a telephone conversation with his Bahraini counterpart, His Excellency Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani. During the call, His Highness the Foreign Minister expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation and denunciation of what he described as the Iranian attacks on Bahrain, emphasizing the Kingdom's unwavering support for the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan affirmed the Kingdom's full solidarity with Bahrain and its support for all measures taken to preserve its security, stability, and the safety of its territory and citizens. This firm Saudi stance reaffirms that Bahrain's security is an integral part of Saudi Arabia's security and the Gulf security system as a whole.
Background to the ongoing tension and its regional dimensions
This statement cannot be understood in isolation from the tense historical and geopolitical context that binds the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Iran. For decades, the region has been experiencing a state of tension, with Gulf capitals, particularly Riyadh and Manama, accusing Tehran of interfering in their internal affairs and seeking to destabilize them by supporting armed groups and sectarian militias. Bahrain, in particular, has witnessed numerous attempts to smuggle weapons and explosives and establish terrorist cells—accusations that Manama has repeatedly leveled against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
These alleged interventions are a blatant violation of the principles of good neighborliness and international law, which is prompting the Gulf states to strengthen their joint security and defense coordination to confront these threats that do not target a specific country, but rather seek to undermine the stability of the entire region.
The importance of Gulf solidarity in confronting Iranian attacks on Bahrain
The Saudi position sends a clear message that any attack on the Kingdom of Bahrain is an attack on the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This solidarity reflects the strength of the GCC as a cohesive unit in the face of external challenges. Saudi support is not limited to political statements; it extends to all forms of security, military, and intelligence cooperation, aiming to build an impenetrable bulwark against any attempts to threaten the security of the GCC member states.
During the call, the two ministers also discussed the latest developments on the regional scene, and the importance of combining efforts and intensifying joint coordination to ensure the preservation of regional security and stability, and to avert the risks of escalation in a strategic and vital region for the whole world.
