Bahrain arrests 41 IRGC-linked individuals amid Iran espionage probe
Synopsis
Bahrain has arrested 41 individuals linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Wilayat al-Faqih ideology, in what authorities describe as an ongoing espionage and security operation — the latest in a series of Iran-related crackdowns that have included the arrest of Pakistani nationals over videos of Iranian strikes.
Key Takeaways
Bahrain's MOI announced the arrest of 41 individuals linked to Iran's IRGC on 9 May 2025 .
The group is connected to the ideology of Wilayat al-Faqih and prior cases of espionage for foreign entities .
Legal proceedings are underway; security and investigation operations are continuing.
In March , six Asian nationals including five Pakistanis were arrested for circulating videos related to Iranian strikes on Bahrain.
A separate Anti-Cybercrime Directorate operation in March arrested four individuals for misusing social media in relation to Iranian attacks.
Bahrain's Ministry of Interior (MOI) on Saturday, 9 May announced the arrest of 41 individuals belonging to a group linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the ideology of Wilayat al-Faqih (governance of the jurisprudent), following investigations into espionage and support for Iranian attacks on the kingdom. Legal proceedings against the arrested members are currently underway, the ministry confirmed.
What the Ministry of Interior Said
The MOI stated that security authorities had uncovered the network through investigations and security reports, connecting it to previous Public Prosecution investigations into cases involving espionage for foreign entities and support for Iranian attacks. The ministry added that legal measures will be undertaken against anyone proven to be involved in the group or found to have committed acts in violation of the law, and that search and investigation operations are continuing.
Political Backing for the Crackdown
Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, publicly expressed support for the MOI's measures following the arrests. His statement signals broad institutional backing for the security operation within Bahrain's government.
Earlier Arrests Linked to Iranian Strikes
This latest sweep is not an isolated event. In March, Bahraini authorities arrested six Asian nationals, including five Pakistanis, on charges of filming, publishing, and circulating videos connected to the aftermath of Iranian strikes on Bahrain. The Bahrain police media centre stated that the suspects showed
Point of View
Not a loose collection of sympathisers. Coming on the heels of the March arrests over Iranian-strike videos, the pattern points to a sustained and escalating Bahraini counter-intelligence effort targeting Iranian influence operations. What remains unclear is the nature of the alleged 'support for Iranian attacks' — a phrase that could mean anything from logistics to online amplification. Bahrain's close alignment with Saudi Arabia and the United States means these arrests will be watched carefully in Tehran, Riyadh, and Washington alike.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bahrain arrest 41 individuals linked to Iran's IRGC?
Bahrain's Ministry of Interior stated that the 41 individuals belonged to a group linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Wilayat al-Faqih ideology, uncovered through investigations into espionage for foreign entities and support for Iranian attacks on the kingdom. Legal proceedings against them are currently underway.
What is the IRGC and why is it significant in this context?
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is an elite branch of Iran's military, widely accused by Gulf states and Western governments of conducting covert influence and espionage operations abroad. Bahrain has previously linked the IRGC to destabilisation efforts on its territory, given the kingdom's Shia-majority population and Sunni ruling family.
Were there earlier arrests related to Iran in Bahrain?
Yes. In March 2025, Bahraini authorities arrested six Asian nationals — including five Pakistanis — for filming and circulating videos connected to the aftermath of Iranian strikes on Bahrain. A separate cybercrime operation in the same month led to the arrest of four individuals for misusing social media in relation to the attacks.
What happens next following the arrests?
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that legal proceedings are underway against the 41 arrested members. The ministry also stated that search and investigation operations are continuing, and that further legal action will be taken against anyone else proven to be involved.
Who is Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam and why did he comment on the arrests?
Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam is the Speaker of Bahrain's Council of Representatives. His public expression of support for the MOI's measures signals institutional and political backing for the security crackdown within Bahrain's government.
