US embassy cable - 04MANAMA1580

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