Iran travel ban: MP to vote on proposal

Manama : Parliamentarians tabled an ‘urgent proposal’ seeking to impose a travel restriction on Iran in response to “the regime’s repeated, blatant and illegal interferences in the internal affairs of Arab and GCC states”. 

The proposal, according to a group of Bahraini legislators, requires blocking all means of travel to and from the Islamic Republic via airspace, ports, and territorial waters. 

However, Shura Council and Representative Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain, in a written reply, pointed out that a travel ban on Iran is already in place in Bahrain as per a ministerial resolution issued on January 4, 2016. 

The measures, Al Buainain said, were taken following attacks on Saudi embassy in Tehran and consulate in Mashhad. 

At that time, the minister said, Bahrain required all Iranian diplomats to leave the Kingdom within 48 hours, closed all Bahrain mission in Iran and recalled all diplomats working there. 

The minister, in his reply, also told the MPs that on 12 January 2016, “Bahrain’s Transportations and Telecommunications Ministry announced ceasing air traffic connection with Iran as well as prevented Iranian ships and vessels from using Bahraini seaports.” 

The Minister’s reply will be reviewed on Tuesday when MPs convene to hold their regular weekly session at the House of Representatives in Gudaibiya.