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