A court in Bahrain sentenced nine defendants to life imprisonment and two others to three years for collaborating with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in hostile and terrorist activities targeting Bahrain on May 24, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The 11 individuals were accused of gathering intelligence on sensitive Bahraini sites, photographing strategic locations, recruiting operatives, and facilitating financial transfers—including cryptocurrency—to support IRGC operations [1, 2, 3]. Prosecutors reported that "some of the defendants photographed vital and strategic sites in Bahrain on behalf of the IRGC" [2].
The sentencing follows Bahrain's Interior Ministry arresting 41 people linked to the IRGC in early May 2026, as part of a wider crackdown on Iranian influence in the kingdom [1, 2]. Over 60 people have recently been stripped of Bahraini citizenship for alleged support of Iranian attacks and collaboration with foreign entities [2].
These security actions came after a wave of Iranian strikes on Bahrain and other Gulf states that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched a war on Iran [1, 2]. Bahrain has accused Iran of interfering in its internal affairs and fomenting unrest, allegations Tehran denies [3].
The court ruling highlights Bahrain's efforts to counter what it labels hostile operations linked to Iran's IRGC, which it blames for weapons transfers, intelligence gathering, and destabilizing acts within its borders [1, 2, 3]. The convicted defendants now face prison terms ranging from three years to multiple life sentences.
Authorities continue investigations and arrests related to the IRGC network in Bahrain. The latest sentencing marks a key milestone in the kingdom’s campaign against alleged Iranian-backed activities that Bahrain says threaten national security [1, 2].
