Bahrain recalls ambassador from Iran, expels Tehran envoy

DUBAI: Bahrain recalled its ambassador from Iran on Thursday and ordered Tehran´s envoy to leave within 72 hours, claiming interference in its affairs, the official BNA news agency reported.

The Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, with a majority Shiite Muslim population ruled by a Sunni dynasty, has suffered from unrest since a pro-democracy uprising in 2011.

Bahrain frequently accuses predominantly Shiite Iran of meddling in its affairs.

A foreign ministry statement was quoted as saying the action was taken in response to "continuing interference by Iran in the affairs of the kingdom" and an attempt by Tehran to foment "confessional sedition".

Iran supports acts of "sabotage and terrorism" in the country, the statement added, accusing Tehran of forming and arming "terrorist groups" and providing them with refuge.