Manama: Bahrain announced it has detained 15 individuals accused of having connections to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Interior Ministry stated that the arrests were part of efforts to "safeguard national security," following intelligence investigations and security reports. These reports were linked to a previous case involving Iranian agents in Bahrain.

According to Anadolu Agency, the state-run Bahrain News Agency reported that the detainees were identified as field operatives. They were allegedly attempting to incite citizens, particularly targeting the youth and adolescents, with the intention of involving them in criminal activities. The Bahraini authorities are completing legal procedures against the arrested individuals while continuing investigations into others suspected of similar involvement.

The arrests follow recent actions by Bahrain's Defense Force, which intercepted and destroyed Iranian missiles and drones aimed at civilian sites within the kingdom. This development comes amid heightened regional tensions following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February, which resulted in significant casualties, including the death of Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran targeted Israel and Gulf countries hosting US bases and closed the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan came into effect on April 8, with ongoing efforts to achieve a comprehensive agreement in the region.