Bahrain Accuses Iran, Qatar of Plotting to Target its Unity

Interior Minister chairs National Plan follow-up committee meeting (Bahrain news agency)
Interior Minister chairs National Plan follow-up committee meeting (Bahrain news agency)
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Bahrain Accuses Iran, Qatar of Plotting to Target its Unity

Interior Minister chairs National Plan follow-up committee meeting (Bahrain news agency)
Interior Minister chairs National Plan follow-up committee meeting (Bahrain news agency)

Bahrain accused on Sunday Iran and Qatar of plotting to target its national unity and of promoting sedition and chaos.

Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa said the Qatari and Iranian interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain aren’t new, but come in different forms.

He explained that Iran relies on fanning the flames of sectarianism to interfere in Bahrain’s internal affairs blatantly, while Qatar seeks to undermine social cohesion and damage family bonds, which represents an affront to authentic Arab and Islamic values and customs.

“This is against Arabic and Islamic values,” he said.

The Interior Minister explained that the conspiracies of Qatar and Iran and their attempts to divide the nation and promote sedition will fail because of the national unity of Bahrainis and their loyalty to the King, which would enable them to meet challenges.

“Qatari and Iranian conspiracies to subvert national unity and spark chaos are doomed to failure”, he said.

The Minister was speaking as he chaired the second meeting of the committee to follow up the implementation of the National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Values of Nationalism.

At the committee, some new initiatives were introduced, and others were integrated, bringing the total to 89 initiatives, of which 60 have been applied.

The Interior Minister said the Reform Project spearheaded by the King is considered highly significant, and is regarded as a national achievement and a role model throughout time to take Bahrain to a bright and secure future and protect the dignity of all segments in society.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.