Authorities in Bahrain have arrested four citizens suspected of spying for Iran and its elite military unit, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.
The detainees included three men, and one woman were arrested for allegedly communicating with operatives linked to Iran, according to a statement from the ministry.
Investigators said one of the suspects, assisted by the others, photographed sensitive locations across Bahrain and recorded their geographic coordinates using high-resolution imaging equipment.
The information was then allegedly transmitted to the IRGC through encrypted communication applications.
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Authorities did not immediately disclose the identities of the suspects or the locations that were photographed.
In a separate statement, the ministry said a fire caused by an Iranian strike earlier Thursday had been brought under control.
The attack targeted fuel tanks at a facility in the Muharraq governorate, home to Bahrain International Airport.
The Bahrain Defence Force said its air defence systems have intercepted 112 missiles and 186 drones since attacks linked to the escalating regional conflict began in Feb. 28.
Switzerland has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran because of an “increasing security risk,” authorities said late on Wednesday.
The Swiss Government said its ambassador in Tehran and five staff members left Iran by land earlier in the day and are now safe outside the country.
They are expected to return once the security situation improves.
“They will return to Tehran as soon as the situation allows,” the government said in a statement.
About a week earlier, Swiss officials said the embassy had six Swiss employees and 18 locally hired staff members.
Four Swiss nationals working at the mission had already left Iran on March 3.
For decades, Switzerland has also represented U.S. interests in Iran.
The U.S. embassy in Bern said Washington “respects the Swiss government’s decision” and expressed gratitude for the work of the diplomatic mission and its staff.
Their efforts “remain essential to protecting U.S. interests and supporting our citizens,” the statement added.
The Swiss government said that, in consultation with the countries concerned, it would continue to maintain communication channels between Washington and Tehran.
Switzerland has served as the U.S.’ protecting power in Iran since diplomatic relations between the two countries were severed.
In that role, it relays messages between the governments and helps U.S. citizens when needed.
dpa/NAN
