Manama: Explosives seized by Bahraini authorities when they intercepted a boat coming from Iran were enough to “obliterate Manama from existence”, it has emerged.

The shocking revelation was made by Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa during a state visit to Paris, which was headed by His Majesty King Hamad.

He also said the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers did not address rising tensions between the Persian state and the GCC.

“The deal did not address sources of tensions and only covered the nuclear file,” Shaikh Khalid told London-based newspaper Asharq Al Awsat.  

“In fact, the deal will lift sanctions on certain Iranian companies and figures who are linked to terrorism such as people linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, including one wanted in Argentina for bombing a synagogue.

“This is something that won’t help achieve security and stability in the region, but we don’t want to be negative.”

The nuclear deal reached in July calls for Iran to redesign, convert and reduce its nuclear facilities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

Shaikh Khalid said the agreement could help stabilise the region if Iran fully commits to its requirements.

“The deal could help stabilise the region but, first, Tehran must be fully committed to meeting its requirements,” he explained.

“Second, there must be parallel action to repair Iran’s ties with its neighbours. We won’t get anywhere with Iran with the absence of this requirement.

“The deal in this case will only concern specific countries but won’t concern us as it only covers the nuclear aspect while Iran continues to attack us with kalashnikovs, bombs and C4 explosives.”

Shaikh Khalid was referring to an incident in which explosives and bomb-making materials, including C4 explosives, were seized during an attempt to smuggle them on boats from Iran in July.

“Do you know the amount of explosive materials smuggled into Bahrain? It was sufficient to obliterate Manama from existence,” he said.

“We were not the only ones to find out what happened as it was also discovered by our allies in the GCC region including the US [Navy] Base.

“Everyone is aware of the route these boats have taken.”

Meanwhile, Shaikh Khalid said military operations in Yemen conducted by a Saudi-led coalition were essential to restore legitimacy to the
country.

“Military action is the solution preferred by Houthis and their former regime allies,” he said.

“They took control of government buildings and detained officials, choosing the military option and putting the country under threat.

“The moment they put down their weapons, we will be ready to return to a clear political process.”

Five Bahrainis were among 60 Gulf Arab soldiers who died in a missile strike against the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen on Friday.