For years, many Bahrainis have been deeply concerned about Saeed Al Shehabi, leader of the Bahrain Freedom Movement, who has long resided in London. Known for his extremist rhetoric, Al Shehabi is regarded as one of the most radical figures of the Bahraini opposition. His consistent glorification of terrorist activities, explicit ties to Iranian-backed militias, and his calls for the overthrow of Bahrain’s government place him at the heart of a dangerous network operating against the nation’s interests.
Despite presenting himself as a political dissident, Al Shehabi has frequently supported and endorsed violent means to achieve his objectives. His alignment with terrorist factions, such as Wafa and the Al-Ashtar Brigades, which are responsible for bombings and assassinations in Bahrain, speaks volumes about the true nature of his political activism. Many in Bahrain view Al Shehabi not as a legitimate opposition figure but as a pawn of Iranian influence, facilitating sectarian discord and destabilization.
” In January 2020 Shehabi allegedly tweeted that Qassim Soleimani Commander of the IRGC killed in a US drone strike was a hero” The Times
Moreover, Al Shehabi’s presence in the United Kingdom has been the subject of significant controversy. Residing in London without any publicly disclosed source of income, his activities and funding streams remain shrouded in mystery. Reports suggest that his operations are financed, directly or indirectly, by entities within the Islamic Republic of Iran—a claim supported by his close ties to Iranian-backed groups and his continued participation in events promoting Tehran’s agenda.
“The Activities of Dar AlHekma Trust which is based near Regents Park in central London are being examined by the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit” The Times
In addition to these allegations, Al Shehabi being investigated n the UK following a post on X (formerly Twitter) celebrating Qassem Soleimani—a figure condemned globally as a terrorist—further underscores his radicalism. Glorifying Soleimani, who was instrumental in orchestrating widespread violence and terrorism in Bahrain and across the region, is a clear indication of Al Shehabi’s allegiance to destructive ideologies.
“The Met confirmed it had received a referral in April “containing allegations relating to potential terrorist financing offences and breach of economic sanctions”” The Times
Why Saeed Al Shehabi is a Radical Figure ?
Al Shehabi’s public and private actions consistently highlight his extremist inclinations. Since Bahrain’s unrest in 2011, his statements have grown increasingly militant, often targeting the country’s leadership and openly supporting violent groups. His rhetoric is characterized by sectarianism, incitement to violence, and unwavering loyalty to Iran’s theocratic leadership, particularly Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In 2016, Al Shehabi declared his support for the Bahraini cleric Isa Qassim, who was tried for money laundering and other charges. He used this event as a platform to escalate tensions and issue veiled threats against Bahrain’s leadership, echoing the language used by Iranian officials like Qassem Soleimani. Such coordinated narratives illustrate how Al Shehabi operates as a propagandist for Tehran’s regional agenda, using Bahrain’s political landscape as a battleground for Iran’s ideological expansion.
Al Shehabi’s links to militant organizations are also well-documented. He has been a vocal supporter of the Al-Ashtar Brigades, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Bahrain, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This group is responsible for numerous bombings and assassination attempts in Bahrain, many of which targeted security personnel and civilians. Reports indicate that Al-Ashtar operatives received direct training and support from the IRGC and Quds Force, with Al Shehabi acting as one of the public faces of this movement.
His writings and media appearances further solidify his reputation as a radical figure. Whether in interviews, opinion pieces, or social media posts, Al Shehabi frequently uses inflammatory language to portray Bahrain’s government as tyrannical while painting militant actions as legitimate resistance. Such narratives not only encourage division within Bahrain but also serve as a recruitment tool for extremist elements abroad.
The Dangers of Glorifying Qassem Soleimani
Soleimani’s legacy, deeply intertwined with Bahrain’s history of unrest, further demonstrates why figures like Al Shehabi pose such a significant threat. Under Soleimani’s leadership, the Quds Force actively supported Bahraini militants, providing them with training, funding, and advanced weaponry.
Militants associated with Soleimani were responsible for smuggling arms into Bahrain, including sophisticated explosives like Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs), initially used against U.S. forces in Iraq. Soleimani’s Quds Force organized the training of Bahrainis in camps located in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, often under the guise of religious pilgrimages. These operations were part of a broader effort to destabilize Bahrain, echoing Iran’s strategy in other Arab nations.
Soleimani’s open threats against Bahrain also reveal his intentions. For example, during the trial of Isa Qassim, he warned of a “bloody intifada” in Bahrain and called for armed resistance. Such statements were not mere rhetoric; they were directives meant to incite violence and create chaos. Figures like Al Shehabi, who amplify and support such ideologies, act as enablers of this destruction.
Soleimani’s elimination by the US on Jan 2nd, 2020 was widely welcomed by Bahrainis and others across the region, as he was considered the leader of modern global terrorism.
A Broader Network of Extremism
Al Shehabi is only one cog in a larger machine of extremism targeting Bahrain. His network includes individuals like Murtada Al Sanadi, a leader of the terrorist Al-Ashtar Brigades, and Sayed Ahmed Al Wadaei, a self-proclaimed human rights activist who frequently promotes sectarian narratives. Ayatollah Isa Qassim, who remains in self-imposed exile in Qom, serves as another key figure, providing ideological justification for violent acts. Together, these individuals form a coalition that seeks to turn Bahrain into a proxy for Iran’s regional ambitions.
This network’s actions threaten not only Bahrain but also the broader Gulf region. Their vision mirrors the disastrous trajectory of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, which turned a once-modern nation into an autocratic regime underpinned by militias and sectarianism. Bahrain’s refusal to succumb to these forces is a testament to its resilience and its commitment to progress.
Message to Western Observers
Bahrain has undergone significant reforms over the past two decades, beginning with King Hamad’s constitutional referendum in 2001. These reforms have granted citizens political rights and opportunities for constructive dialogue. While the nation still faces challenges, Bahrain has consistently demonstrated its willingness to evolve and embrace positive change.
However, supporting individuals like Al Shehabi, who glorify Soleimani and promote violence, undermines these efforts. Western policymakers and journalists must recognize the danger of amplifying voices tied to Iran’s agenda. These individuals do not represent Bahraini aspirations for reform; they represent a radical vision rooted in sectarianism and extremism.
Bahrain needs partners who support its continued development—not those who empower the voices of division. True progress comes from embracing dialogue and unity, not glorifying terrorism and revolution.
The extremist and radical wings of the opposition, led by figures such as Saeed Al Shehabi, Hassan Mushaime—currently serving a prison sentence—Murtada Al Sanadi, leader of the terrorist Al-Ashtar Brigades, and Ayatollah Isa Qassim, who chose self-imposed exile in Qom, are individuals whose actions and alliances make them deeply untrustworthy. These figures advocate for an agenda that could have plunged Bahrain into civil war, suppressed the rights of women, and reversed decades of progress by dragging the nation into an era of oppression akin to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. That revolution destroyed Iran’s modern state and replaced it with a brutal theocracy, the consequences of which continue to haunt generations of Iranians.
The Islamic Revolution serves as a cautionary tale for policymakers and journalists. In 1978, many in the West supported Khomeini under the illusion that his movement promised democracy and freedom. Instead, it unleashed a wave of autocracy, militancy, and sectarian strife that destabilized the region and threatened global security. Bahrain cannot afford to make the same mistake. Empowering figures like Al Shehabi, who cloak their radical ideology under the guise of democratization, only risks repeating the grave errors of the past.