Iran says Bahrain's decision to expel an Iranian diplomat allegedly linked to a spy ring in Kuwait is “not based on realities” and that Tehran may take retaliatory measures.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast made the comments Tuesday, a day after Bahrain gave Iranian diplomat Hojjatullah Rahmani 72 hours to leave the country.
The state-run Bahrain News Agency announced the expulsion. It also said the Bahraini government had urged Iran to end actions that it considers a violation of standards of international relations and a threat to regional security and stability.
Mehmanparast responded saying that “hasty” comments from “regional authorities” would not help resolve the region's problems.
Tensions between Bahrain and Iran have risen recently over Iranian criticism of Bahrain's crackdown on anti-government protests, and Bahrain's allegations of Iranian support for the demonstrators.
Earlier this month, Kuwait expelled three Iranian diplomats for alleged links to a spy ring operating in the country, prompting Iran to expel three Kuwaiti diplomats in retaliation.
A Kuwaiti court in March handed down death sentences for one Kuwaiti and two Iranians suspected of carrying out espionage on behalf of Iran.