Bahrain has stripped 69 individuals of their citizenship over alleged links to Iran during the recent regional conflict, authorities announced in Manama on April 27, 2026.
The decision, issued under a royal directive by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, targets individuals accused of “glorifying” Iranian attacks or collaborating with foreign entities, according to the Interior Ministry. The revocation also extends to some family members, with officials stating that all affected individuals were of non-Bahraini origin.
The move follows heightened tensions after Iran launched missile and drone strikes across Gulf states earlier in the conflict, which began in late February. Bahraini authorities said the measure was taken under nationality laws allowing citizenship removal for actions deemed harmful to national interests.
Human rights groups have criticised the decision, warning it could render individuals stateless and calling it a “dangerous” escalation of repression. The revocation marks Bahrain’s first mass citizenship withdrawal in several years amid broader security crackdowns linked to the conflict.
