Bahrain has stripped citizenship from 69 people accused of promoting pro-Iran sentiment online, citing national security concerns amid heightened regional tensions. The interior ministry said those affected were accused of 'glorifying' hostile Iranian actions and maintaining ties with foreign entities, with some relatives also losing nationality. Authorities said the individuals were of non-Bahraini origin and that the move was carried out under a law permitting revocation of citizenship for harming the kingdom's interests.

The decision follows a directive from King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ordering action against those deemed to have undermined national security. It comes after Iranian missile and drone strikes in the Gulf, including attacks near a United States naval base in Bahrain, and amid broader accusations that Iran supports militant networks within the kingdom.

Bahrain also sentenced several individuals to prison on charges related to spying for Iran and supporting what prosecutors described as terrorist acts. Officials said the crackdown is part of a wider campaign against alleged Iran-backed influence operations, including sharing videos of strikes and communicating with foreign groups.

Rights advocates criticized the citizenship revocations as repressive and lacking legal safeguards or avenues for appeal. The move reflects a broader regional trend of tightening citizenship and security laws as Gulf states respond to escalating tensions with Iran.