Bahrain’s Undersecretary for International Relations at the Foreign Ministry, Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, criticized on Monday the West and United States’ efforts to return to the nuclear deal with Iran.
Speaking from Israel, he said: “What did we achieve from the deal?”
The official is on a four-day visit to Israel.
Speaking to reporters, Khalifa said the 2015 pact between the world powers and Tehran has not yielded any positive results.
He revealed that Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa had sent a message of congratulations to then Iranian president Rouhani the day the nuclear accord was signed.
“However, two days later, we foiled a Iranian attempt to smuggle arms and explosives to Bahrain,” said Sheikh Abdulla.
He stressed that Bahrain wants to see a stable, secure, prosperous and responsible Iran that acts as a responsible member of the international community.
“But we haven’t,” he said, “What we see is continuous interference in domestic affairs in my country.”
The Bahraini official had arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday.
He met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, and he attended a meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee between Bahrain and Israel.
He revealed that preparations are underway to commemorate the signing of the Abraham Accords, with the participation of all signatory countries, Bahrain, the UAE, the US and Israel.
“The event will be held on September 15,” he added.
Official diplomatic relations between Israel and Bahrain were announced on September 11, 2020.
The Bahraini official also revealed that Lapid is expected to visit Manama in the near future and that direct flights between Manama and Tel Aviv should begin soon.