Full Breakdown
Bahrain Revokes Citizenship of 69 Individuals Over Alleged Support for Iranian Attacks
4/29/2026, 12:03:09 AM
Revocation Decision and Legal Framework
On 27 April 2026 Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced the withdrawal of citizenship from 69 people, accusing them of glorifying or sympathising with Iranian attacks and of contacting foreign entities. The decree was signed by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and implemented by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad. The action invokes Article 10/3 of the Nationality Law, which permits revocation for conduct deemed harmful to the state or disloyal.
Context of Iranian Hostilities
Iran launched missile and drone strikes against Bahrain and other Gulf states after the United States and Israel began a war on Iran on 28 February 2026. The attacks hit U.S. bases and civilian infrastructure, prompting regional security alerts. Bahrain previously stripped at least 990 nationals between 2012 and 9 2019, making this the first revocation since 2019.
Statistics
The revocations affect 69 non-Bahraini individuals, including family members. Bahrain’s population is about 45 % Shi’ite. Iranian drone attacks on 9 March injured 32 people, including children. Between 2012-2019, at least 990 citizens were stripped of nationality.
Government Statements
The interior ministry said the revocations protect national security under the royal decree and Article 10/3. The BDF stressed its forces remain at the highest readiness and defensive preparedness. At the UN, Foreign Minister al-Zayani warned Iranian attacks threaten global economic stability and Strait of Hormuz traffic, urging a council vote on a resolution authorising ‘all necessary means’ to safeguard commercial shipping.
Opposition and Human-Rights Concerns
BIRD’s advocacy director Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei called the measure ‘the beginning of a dangerous era of repression’ and said it was ‘imposed without legal safeguards or any right of appeal,’ calling it a blatant abuse of power and a violation of international law.
Unresolved Issues
The identities of the 69 individuals remain undisclosed, and it is unclear if they are detained or hold other citizenships. Bahrain’s Global Communication Office declined comment, and no appeal process has been outlined.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Bahraini nationality has been revoked from those individuals for glorifying or sympathising with the hostile Iranian acts, or engaging in contacts with external parties” — Interior Ministry statement
- “all its weapons and units are at the highest levels of readiness and defensive preparedness,” — Bahrain Defense Force, General Command
- “the beginning of a dangerous era of repression.” — Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, BIRD
- “If passed, the resolution would authorize "all necessary means" to protect commercial shipping in and around the strait.” — UN Security Council resolution draft
What’s Next
The UN Security Council is expected to vote on the proposed resolution within days, while Bahrain’s authorities say the citizenship review will continue to assess further cases.
