At a time when Iran’s regime is pursuing a policy of regional militarism, a broad wave of alleged IRGC-linked terrorist activity is intensifying in Gulf Arab countries.
A recent report by the U.S. newspaper The New York Times has once again drawn attention to Iran’s extraterritorial activities and networks linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) across Arab states in the Persian Gulf. The report describes a wave of mass arrests in several regional countries. Security officials in these states have accused detainees of ties to the IRGC and involvement in security cooperation with Iran’s regime. Meanwhile, the region’s political and media environment has also been affected by growing concerns over IRGC-related terrorism.
According to the report, more than 100 alleged IRGC operatives have been arrested in Gulf Arab countries. The main charges against these individuals are treason and cooperation with networks affiliated with Iran’s regime. The report states that regional governments, following heightened military and security tensions with Iran, have begun extensive surveillance of groups and individuals close to Tehran.
IRGC terrorism in Bahrain; revocation of citizenship and cleric arrests
Bahrain has been identified as one of the main centers of this security case. According to the published report, Bahraini authorities have revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals. In addition, 41 others have been arrested on charges of links to the IRGC. Among those detained are dozens of clerics aligned with Iran’s regime.
A human rights group has stated that 37 of those detained in Bahrain are clerics. This has triggered widespread reactions in regional media. Media outlets close to the Bahraini government have described these individuals as part of a “soft influence network” of the rule of the Supreme Leader. In contrast, some groups affiliated with Iran’s regime have described the arrests as political.
In previous years as well, Bahrain has repeatedly accused Iran’s regime of security interference and organizing armed groups. The country’s government had earlier stated that some opposition groups were trained on Iranian soil. The latest New York Times report now suggests that concerns over IRGC-related terrorism in Bahrain have entered a new phase.
UAE; publication of suspects’ images and calls for harsh punishment
A similar case is underway in the United Arab Emirates. According to The New York Times report, 27 individuals in the country have been accused of membership in a Shiite terrorist organization. The UAE government has published images of these individuals and described them as part of an organized network.
Some figures close to the UAE authorities have also called for severe judicial action against the accused. Emirati media have described the case as part of Iran’s regime efforts to achieve security infiltration in Arab countries. Security officials in the UAE have stressed that any connection to IRGC-linked networks is considered a threat to national security.
In recent years, relations between Iran’s regime and Gulf Arab states have repeatedly been in crisis. Attacks on oil facilities, arms smuggling cases, and the activities of proxy groups have been among the main points of contention between Tehran and regional governments. Now, the issue of IRGC-related terrorism has once again become one of the central security concerns for Arab states.
Increasing regional pressure against the clerical regime
The New York Times report indicates that Gulf Arab countries have adopted a stricter approach toward networks close to Iran’s regime. Security institutions in these countries believe the IRGC is attempting to exploit sectarian divisions to expand its influence.
In past years, regional governments have repeatedly accused Iran’s regime of creating instability. Many of these countries believe Tehran uses militias and proxy forces to advance its regional objectives. The recent mass arrests now indicate that the IRGC terrorism case has entered a new stage.
Rising tensions in the Persian Gulf are occurring alongside internal crises within Iran’s regime. Iran’s regime is facing waves of public dissatisfaction, an economic crisis, and widespread protests at home. Nevertheless, international reports continue to indicate ongoing security and regional operations by the IRGC outside Iran’s borders.
