Global Geopolitical Series: Middle East tensions heighten by Bahrain pipeline blast

The ongoing Middle East brawl between Iran and Saudi alliance reached a new height over the weekend as Bahrain blamed its arch-rival Iran for its pipeline explosion that took place on Friday night. Bahrain called the blast a terrorist act with support from Iran. However, Iran has denied any involvement in the Sunni-Muslim ruled country’s unrest. The interior ministry said on its website quoting interior minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah al-Khalifa, “The incident was an act of sabotage and a dangerous act of terrorism aimed at harming the higher interests of the nation and the safety of the people…..Terrorist acts witnessed by the country in the recent period are carried out through direct contacts and instructions from Iran”.

Bahrain is a key ally of the United States and is home to U.S. fifth fleet.

Saudi Arabia, which ships crude to Bahrain via the affected pipeline said that it has closed flows through its pipeline and stepped up security in response to the incident.