FOREIGN MINISTER ON IRAN: WE'RE WORRIED AND NEED

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 000180 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2016 TAGS: PREL KNNP MARR PARM BA IR REGION OFFICIALS BILAT SUBJECT: FOREIGN MINISTER ON IRAN: WE'RE WORRIED AND NEED YOUR COVER REF: A. STATE 19516 ¶B. STATE 16171 ¶C. STATE 12900 ¶D. MANAMA 0091 Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid told the Ambassador February 7 that Bahrain supported the IAEA referral of Iran to the UN and suggested involving India more directly in the issue to apply greater pressure to Iran. Shaikh Khalid, who had visited Tehran January 28-29, stated that Foreign Minister Mottaki had developed a new construction to state Iran's position on nuclear weapons. Whereas four months earlier, Mottaki had called the weapons "haram," or religiously forbidden, he now said they are "against our Islamic beliefs," a weakened phrase that Shaikh Khalid considers to be significant. He said he tried to push Mottaki back to his former position during their joint press conference by "agreeing" that nuclear weapons are "haram." He said President Ahmadi-Nejad spoke of Iran's glory and heritage and blatantly pandered to Shaikh Khalid to get King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman to visit Tehran. Shaikh Khalid said that Bahrain is nervous about the prospect of Iran developing nuclear weapons. He requested U.S. and NATO "cover" and support. End Summary. -------------- India to Help Apply Pressure to Iran -------------- ¶2. (C) In a February 7 meeting covering several subjects (septels),the Ambassador delivered Ref A and B demarches concerning IAEA reporting Iran to the UN Security Council to Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Shaikh Khalid, who had visited Iran January 28-29, said he supported the move and wondered where these actions were heading. He said the Iranians had demonstrated no fear of the UNSC referral or sanctions. He suggested involving India more directly in the issue, as that country, along with China and Russia, could help apply pressure and leave less room for Iran to "play around." -------------- Nukes "Against Islamic Beliefs" -------------- ¶3. (C) Shaikh Khalid said he met with President Ahmadi-Nejad, Vice President Daoodi, Foreign Minister Mottaki, and former President Rafsanjani during his trip to Tehran. His first meeting was with Mottaki, who initially discussed bilateral issues such as trade and the joint Bahraini-Iranian Mostaqbal Bank. Mottaki then opened the "real issue," Iran's nuclear program. Mottaki emphasized it is a peaceful program for nuclear power, in accordance with international norms. Iran does not intend to produce nuclear weapons, which are "against our Islamic beliefs," he said. ¶4. (C) Shaikh Khalid told the Ambassador that the phrase "against Islamic beliefs" is a new formulation. Four months ago, when Mottaki visited Bahrain, he had said that nuclear weapons were "haram," meaning religiously forbidden. "Against Islamic beliefs" is a weaker phrase than "haram," to which Shaikh Khalid assigns meaning. Iranians are careful with their language, he said, and this change must be intentional. Shaikh Khalid said that he stressed with Mottaki that Bahrain is nervous about living next to a nuclear power plant. Mottaki replied that Iranian safety regulations are very strong. ¶5. (C) During his joint press conference with Mottaki, Shaikh Khalid said he stated publicly that Bahrain agrees with Iran that nuclear weapons are "haram," an attempt to push Iran back to its former position. In press the conference, Shaikh Khalid added: "I fully agree with you that the Middle East should be free of nuclear weapons." ¶6. (C) Shaikh Khalid told the Ambassador that Iran is overconfident, is not worried about the UNSC, and does not fear sanctions, claiming that in the past sanctions had made the country stronger. He described Mottaki as feisty. -------------- Pleading for a Royal Visit -------------- ¶7. (C) Shaikh Khalid said that, in reference to the nuclear program, Ahmadi-Nejad spoke about Iran's heritage and glory. He urged that Bahrain and Iran come together as neighbors and "clear the region of foreigners." He spoke in a flattering way about King Hamad and CP Salman and reiterated his invitation for them to visit Tehran. Shaikh Khalid commented that Ahmadi-Nejad "talks like he's in a coffee house," in a very casual manner. ¶8. (C) Shaikh Khalid said that Rafsanjani is more subtle. Referring to the nuclear program, Rafsanjani said Bahrain could "bet on" Iran as a power to depend on. Shaikh Khalid said that he replied ("humbly") that many countries and many powers hate Iran. Iran has enemies, and "you must accept that they are stronger than you." Rafsanjani did not respond, but two aides/former ministers, who attended the meeting, nodded in agreement. ¶9. (C) The meeting with VP Daoodi covered much of the same ground. -------------- Bahrain Needs U.S. Cover -------------- ¶10. (C) Shaikh Khalid said that Bahrain is nervous. Iran is serious about getting nuclear weapons and, if they do, Bahrain will "be squeezed" between two nuclear giants - Iran and Israel. Bahrain is trying to develop and reform socially, politically, and economically. "We need U.S. cover" if Iran produces nuclear weapons, Shaikh Khalid stated. As an ally and a friend, Bahrain needs U.S. and NATO support. He said that CP Salman delivered the same message to British Foreign Secretary Straw during his recent visit to London. MONROE