The Kingdom of Bahrain on Tuesday recalled its ambassador to Tehran for consultation following a statement of Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on the Kingdom’s sovereign decision of deployment of the Peninsula Shield Force.
Foreign Ministry Undersecretary for Regional and GCC Affairs Hamad Al Amer described the Iranian comments as an outrageous intervention in Bahrain’s domestic affairs by a country which is supposed to adhere to the principle of good neighbourly relations Bahrain has always been committed to with Iran.
“Bahrain is in contact with the United Nations, the Security Council’s permanent members, the GCC member states, the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) regarding the blatant Iranian interference,” Al Amer said.
“The Iranian statement contravenes the principle of good neighbourly relations between Bahrain and Iran, the international law, the UN charter and OIC convention which underscore respect of states’ independence and sovereignty,” he added.
“Bahrain strongly denounces and absolutely rejects the Iranian statement which is considered an intervention in its domestic affairs and a threat to regional and international peace and security,” Al Amer explained.
“The Peninsula Shield Forces’ entry to Bahrain emanates from common destiny and unity among the GCC countries as well as shared responsibility to maintain regional security and stability,” he affirmed, adding that security of the GCC countries is an integral part of defence and security agreements signed by the GCC member states.
Bahrain has decided to summon its ambassador to Tehran immediately for consultation.