Iran steps up criticism of Saudi-Bahrain union plan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 16 May 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran steps up criticism of Saudi-Bahrain union plan, 16 May 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4fbcc8de28.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 16, 2012
Iran is stepping up criticism of plans by Gulf Arab states to form a closer political, economic, and military union.
On May 16, the Islamic Propagation Coordination Council, which organizes state-backed demonstrations in Iran, urged Iranians to stage rallies after Friday prayers this week to protest what it described as a U.S. plan to annex Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has warned that such a union would only "deepen the wounds" in Bahrain, after Saudi Arabia sent troops to the island kingdom to quash recent unrest by the majority Shi'ites.
The six U.S.-allied, Sunni-ruled Gulf Arab states – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates – are already linked in the Gulf Cooperation Council.
It was set up in 1981 to counter Shi'ite Iran's influence.
Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website