Bahrain’s Interior Ministry revealed that 41 people have been apprehended due to their alleged affiliations with a group linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These individuals were identified as essential members of the organization’s structure operating within Bahrain.
The arrests stemmed from comprehensive intelligence operations spearheaded by public prosecutors. Investigations focused on cases related to espionage with foreign entities and support for Iranian aggression, according to a report from state media outlet BNA.
Connections to Iranian Ideology
This group is purportedly tied to the ideology of Velayat-e Faqih, known as the Guardianship of the Jurist. Investigations have indicated that they were involved in collecting funds to be sent to Iran, aimed at bolstering IRGC operations.
Authorities stated that security services identified the organization through ongoing intelligence gathering relating to past espionage allegations and sympathetic stances toward Iranian offensives. Legal action against the arrested individuals has commenced, and further search and investigation initiatives will continue against others suspected of involvement with the group and its unlawful activities.
As of now, specific charges against the detained individuals, as well as their identities and details about court proceedings, have not been publicly disclosed.
JUST IN: 🇧🇭🇮🇷 Bahrain arrests 41 people linked to Iran’s IRGC. pic.twitter.com/xl6lSSjYk6
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) May 9, 2026
Earlier in 2026, Bahraini officials conducted similar operations, including the March arrest of five individuals for allegedly relaying sensitive information to the IRGC, alongside revoking citizenship from numerous individuals convicted of interacting with foreign entities and supporting Iranian aggression.
Recent Attacks and Defense
Bahrain has faced multiple missile and drone assaults amid a regional conflict that escalated following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Iran retaliated by targeting various locations in Bahrain, including areas near the U.S. naval base in Manama and Juffair, along with other infrastructure and residential sites.
Bahraini air defenses successfully intercepted hundreds of incoming projectiles in the weeks following these attacks, with the last reported assault on April 8, coinciding with a temporary ceasefire agreed upon between the U.S. and Iran.
