BAHRAIN: REPORTING IRAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000091

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2016
TAGS: KNNP PARM PREL AORC BA IR OFFICIALS REGION ROW
SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: REPORTING IRAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS
SECURITY COUNCIL

REF: A. STATE 8416

B. STATE 6236

Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) This is an action request; please see para 5.


2. (C) The Ambassador January 21 delivered Ref B demarche
concerning reporting Iran to the UN Security Council to
Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Shaikh
Khalid said that he had met recently with the EU-3
Ambassadors, who had requested Bahrain's support. He told
them that Bahrain's position is to defend the legitimacy of
international institutions. Bahrain supports the IAEA
holding an emergency meeting on Iran's nuclear program and,
if the IAEA votes to refer the matter to the UNSC, Bahrain
will support this as well. At the recent summit in Abu
Dhabi, GCC heads of state issued a communique calling for a
Middle East, and in particular the Gulf region, free of
nuclear weapons.


3. (C) Shaikh Khalid noted that he would visit Iran January
28-29, following several requests by the Iranian leadership.
It is a reciprocal visit following Iranian FM Mottaki's trip
to Bahrain in late 2005. He anticipates meeting with
President Ahmadi-Nejad, Mottaki, Rafsanjani, and possibly
Ayatollah Khamenei. He will deliver a message that Iran must
be transparent, open, and completely cooperative with the
IAEA, and not jeopardize peace and security in the region.
Bahrain will not go against an international consensus on
Iran. Shaikh Khalid commented that Iran has a "special
inkling" for Bahrain, and he wants to keep it a benign
inkling.


4. (C) Shaikh Khalid said that Bahrain shares U.S. concerns
about Iran's nuclear program. The Gulf is the region most
vulnerable to potential Iranian hostility. Countries in the
region are embarking on economic reforms, development, and
democratization, and need the U.S. to look at beefing up the
security and defenses of the region. Bahrain is interested
in deploying Patriot missiles and a more sophisticated air
defense system. Bahrain needs U.S. support to fend off
countries and entities supporting terrorism and tyranny in
the region.


5. (C) Action Request: Shaikh Khalid requested USG input in
developing his message to the Iranian government. He will
depart for Tehran on Saturday, January 28. We request
Washington guidance for delivery to Shaikh Khalid by COB
Tuesday, January 24 (Wednesday is the end of the Bahraini
government workweek) or at the latest by COB Friday, January

27.

MONROE