Iran has issued a stern warning to Bahrain amid the recent flare-up in tensions with the United States and the breakout of hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian official Ali Akbar Velayati said, “A serious warning is being given to the Bahrainis to know their limits and not play such games with their own fate and not force Iran to adopt harsh decisions.”
Iran and the United States have targeted each other’s assets and bases in the Middle East despite recent peace talks and normalisation efforts mediated by Pakistan and Qatar.
On Saturday, Iran carried out strikes on a US base in Bahrain, prompting a sharp response from the government of Bahrain.
Tehran claims the US uses military bases in the region to launch attacks on its territory. Gulf nations deny the claim, and Manama has condemned the latest attacks, saying they violated its sovereignty and undermined “opportunities for de-escalation and stability in the region”.
Bahrain, which is home to a large Shia population, has arrested dozens of people in recent months on accusations of having military ties to Tehran.
Meanwhile, a total of 48 ships and cargo vessels have transited through the Strait of Hormuz from Friday to Sunday despite the fresh attacks.
Nearly 23 oil and gas tankers and seven bulk carriers, which are specialised ships designed to transport commodities such as iron, coal, grain, fertiliser and cement. Some 19 cargo or container ships also transited the waterway.
Furthermore, Iran’s foreign minister has urged “all parties not to interfere” in the management of the Strait of Hormuz after the US bombed Iran for a second day following a drone attack on a vessel.
The point that he mentioned could become one of the major friction points between the United States and Iran in the coming days.
Also read: US strikes Iran for second day
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