The revolution, which failed, would have installed a Shia cleric in Iran, Hujjat al-Islam Hādī al-Mudarrisī, as the Supreme Leader of Bahrain with a theocratic government.

The 1981 Bahraini coup attempt orchestrated by the Islamic Front for the Liberation of Bahrain (IFLB) was significantly influenced by transnational Shia networks established by Iranian clerics, including Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi al-Modarresi.

Through his leadership, the Risali Movement aimed to empower Shia communities and challenge Sunni-dominated regimes, including Bahrain's Al Khalifa family.

The IFLB's attempt to overthrow the Bahraini monarchy and install an Islamic republic mirrored Iran's broader strategy to export its revolutionary ideals and assert influence in neighboring Shia-majority regions.

In November 2007, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran made his first official visit to Bahrain and met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

[16] Allies of the Bahraini government, such as Saudi Arabia and other GCC member states, have conversely blamed Iran for inciting upheaval in the small archipelago country and questioned the legitimacy of the protesters' demands,[17] echoing Manama's claims.

[23] On 1 October 2015 (a week after the 2015 Mina stampede), the Bahraini government recalled its ambassador from Tehran and ordered the Iranian acting chargé d'affaires to leave the country within 3 days in response to "continuing interference by Iran in the affairs of the kingdom".

In a statement, it said that "these demagogic and barbarian acts represent flagrant violation to the international convictions and norms, and the Vienna Convention which all safeguard the security and protection to the diplomatic missions.

[36] After Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish relations, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf told lawmakers, "I think [Bahrain-Iranian diplomatic normalization] will happen sometime soon.

An interior ministry statement accused Sheikh Isa Qassim of using his position to "serve foreign interests" and promote "sectarianism and violence".

Announcing the move to strip him of his Bahraini citizenship, the interior ministry said the cleric had "adopted theocracy and stressed the absolute allegiance to the clergy".