Bahrain Revokes 69 Citizenships, Sentences 30 Over Alleged Iran Ties
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Bahrain revoked the citizenship of 69 people and sentenced 30 others over alleged ties to Iran. (revoked the citizenship of 69 people) (sentenced 30 others)
Reporting said the measures were presented as part of a crackdown on pro-Iran support, with authorities framing the actions as aimed at networks accused of backing Tehran.
The moves are especially notable because Bahrain is described as a U.S. Middle East ally, a status that makes domestic security steps likely to draw regional and international attention.
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, April 27, 2026, Bahrain stripped 69 people of citizenship under Article 10(3) of its nationality law.
- Officials said those targeted, and some relatives, were of non-Bahraini origin and accused of glorifying Iran and maintaining foreign ties.
- On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Bahrain sentenced five people to life in prison and 25 others to 10-year terms for spying for Iran or supporting its terrorist acts.
- The actions follow recent Iranian missile and drone strikes in the Gulf, including attacks on U.S. military assets in Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet.
- Authorities describe the measures as part of a wider campaign against Iran-linked influence operations and domestic support for Tehran.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
April 28, 2026