BAHRAIN: IRANIAN ACTIVITY IN IRAQ

S E C R E T MANAMA 001580 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/17/2014 TAGS: PREL PTER BA IZ IR SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: IRANIAN ACTIVITY IN IRAQ REF: STATE 218335 Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S) Ambassador October 16 delivered reftel demarche concerning Iranian activity in Iraq to Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, emphasizing increasing United States concern about Iranian behavior in Iraq. The Minister responded that the GOB shares our concerns and he has spoken publicly about this issue. He noted that Bahrain took part in a conference with Iraq's neighbors, including Turkey and Iran, and the most important outcome of the conference was non-interference in Iraq's affairs and helping Iraqis establish a government and constitution. ¶2. (S) The FM said that he had spoken with the Iranians about Iraq during his mid-August visit to Tehran. His interlocutors told him that Iran is unable to control completely its long border with Iraq, and the people crossing the border do not represent the GOI. The FM reported that he had responded that the Iraqis should be left to settle their differences by themselves. ¶3. (S) Regarding Bahrain's bilateral relations with Iran, he said that the GOB keeps the dialogue going but is very careful in dealing with Tehran. The next major visit will be Prime Minister Khalifa's planned trip to Iran in 2005. Bahrain continually delivers the message that Iran should not interfere in Bahrain's domestic affairs, and it can deliver the same message about Iraq. ¶4. (S) Comment: Given the history of Iranian meddling in Bahrain, the GOB undoubtedly agrees with our position of non-interference in Iraqi domestic affairs. However, the Bahrainis also understand that they have limited ability to influence Tehran's actions. MONROE