Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals accused of expressing support, praise, or sympathy for Iran. According to Anadolu Agency, the decision was made in response to recent regional tensions involving Iran. The Bahrain News Agency reported on Monday, April 27, that those who showed sympathy toward Iran’s 'hostile and criminal acts' lost their citizenship, including some of their family members.

Earlier in March, Bahrain’s High Criminal Court held a preliminary hearing in a case accusing several people of promoting and exaggerating Iran’s 'terrorist activities,' though the number of defendants was not disclosed at that time. The move comes amid heightened regional conflict following a joint U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran on February 28, which reportedly resulted in more than 3,300 deaths.

A two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran was brokered by Pakistan on April 8 and later extended indefinitely on April 21 at Pakistan’s request, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.