Story perspectives

Bahrain Strips Citizenship of 69 Foreigners Amid Iran Attacks

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ordered the revocation of Bahraini nationality for 69 non-Bahraini individuals under Article 10/3 of the Nationality Law.
The decree also stripped citizenship from their dependents, prompting human-rights groups to warn of a dangerous repression era with no appeal.
The action follows Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, leading the government to boost defensive readiness and seek UN Security Council backing for shipping protection.

History

Historical Context

In 1979 Iran’s Islamic Revolution ousted Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and installed Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a change ratified by a 98 % referendum. The upheaval alarmed Gulf monarchies, prompting Bahrain’s Al Khalifa family to tighten security and, in 2024, strip 69 non-Bahraini residents of citizenship amid fears of Iranian missile and drone attacks. The decree echoes the region’s long-standing reaction to Tehran’s revolutionary influence.

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Story summary

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ordered the revocation of Bahraini nationality for 69 non-Bahraini individuals under Article 10/3 of the Nationality Law.
The decree also stripped citizenship from their dependents, prompting human-rights groups to warn of a dangerous repression era with no appeal.
The action follows Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, leading the government to boost defensive readiness and seek UN Security Council backing for shipping protection.

1 / 2