MANAMA: Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said on Saturday that it had arrested 41 members of a group allegedly linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following investigations into suspected espionage and foreign interference activities.
The arrests were made after extensive security monitoring and inquiries conducted in coordination with public prosecutors, according to the ministry.
It said the suspects were allegedly involved in activities considered a threat to Bahrain’s national security and stability.
The ministry said legal proceedings against the detainees were ongoing, while security agencies continued search and investigation operations against “anyone proven to be involved in the activities of this organisation or in acts that violate the law.”
MOI: Arrest of the main group linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guardhttps://t.co/ZZhBvgFUjA
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) May 9, 2026
Saudi Arabia reaffirms support to Bahrain
Saudi Arabia on Saturday reaffirmed its full support for steps taken by Bahrain to counter activities aimed at destabilising its security.
The Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement commended the efficiency of Bahraini security forces in confronting any attempts to undermine the country’s national security.
#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن دعم المملكة العربية السعودية الكامل للإجراءات التي اتخذتها مملكة البحرين الشقيقة في مواجهة ما رُصد من نشاطات تمس الأمن الوطني وتستهدف زعزعة أمن واستقرار مملكة البحرين الشقيقة. pic.twitter.com/dz2jyfWIjq
— وزارة الخارجية 🇸🇦 (@KSAMOFA) May 9, 2026
Bahraini authorities had previously announced the arrest of several individuals they said were connected to the IRGC, amid heightened regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
The escalation triggered a wider regional confrontation, with Tehran launching retaliatory attacks against Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf region. Iran also moved to temporarily close the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over global energy supplies and maritime security.
A ceasefire later came into effect on April 8 following mediation efforts led by Pakistan. However, negotiations held in Islamabad failed to secure a comprehensive long-term agreement between the parties.
The truce was subsequently extended by US President Donald Trump without a fixed deadline, allowing diplomatic channels to remain open as regional and international actors continued efforts to prevent further escalation.
Regional analysts say the arrests in Bahrain underscore continuing security concerns across the Gulf, where authorities remain on high alert over fears of covert operations, cyber threats and proxy activity linked to the broader conflict.
