Bahrain MPs condemn Iran's questioning of Manama’s Arab identity

Tehran's claims are 'unprofessional and shallow', says parliamentary committee

Move comes amid tensions between the two Gulf states over a number of issues, including Bahrain's hosting of US troops

MANAMA: Bahraini MPs on Monday (September 12) strongly condemned Iran's questioning of the kingdom's Arab identity, describing Tehran's claims as "unprofessional and shallow". "The committee discussed the statements made by the Iranian foreign minister, in which he questioned the Arab identity of the Kingdom of Bahrain," said a statement issued by the foreign affairs, defence and national security committee in Bahrain's parliament. "The committee strongly condemned these statements, which are contrary to historical facts and the reality on the ground." The move comes amid tensions between the two Gulf states over a number of issues, including Bahrain's hosting of US troops. In recent months, Iranian officials have repeatedly questioned Bahrain's Arab identity, claiming that the country is historically part of Persia. These claims have been rejected by Bahrain, which has said that it has been an independent Arab state since gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. The foreign affairs committee said that Iran's claims were "unprofessional and shallow", and that they showed a "lack of understanding of the history of the region". The committee also called on Iran to "respect the sovereignty and independence of Bahrain", and to stop interfering in its internal affairs. The tensions between Bahrain and Iran have been growing in recent months, with both sides trading barbs over a number of issues. In August, Bahrain accused Iran of being behind a series of attacks on its oil facilities. Iran has denied the accusations. The two countries have also been at odds over the issue of Bahrain's hosting of US troops. Iran has said that the presence of US troops in Bahrain is a threat to regional security. Bahrain has said that the US troops are there to help protect the country from Iranian aggression. The tensions between Bahrain and Iran are likely to continue in the coming months, as both sides show no signs of backing down.