Iranian Citizenship for Transnational Supporters: From Idea to Reality
WANA (Jun 13) – The geopolitical developments and crises in the Middle East have always impacted the social and legal lives of the region’s citizens, far beyond the military battlefields.
During the recent military confrontation between Iran and the U.S.–Israel front, which came to be known as the “Ramadan War,” the capitals bordering the Persian Gulf—led by Manama—drew strict red lines against any alignment with Tehran.
The revocation of citizenship of “Mohammad Ghaloum,” a prominent Bahraini Shia religious singer, and dozens of other citizens (69 individuals) this year on charges of praising Iran’s military actions, is a manifestation of this coercive approach.
Furthermore, according to Bahraini sources, in the latest operation, Bahraini security forces detained 20 Shia clerics, eulogists, Quran reciters, and religious activists on charges of “cooperating with Iran.” With these recent arrests, the number of Shia clerics detained in Bahrain since the onset of the recent regional tensions and the Iran-Israel war has increased to 58.
“Mohammad Ghaloum,” a prominent Bahraini Shia religious singer. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Ghaloum, who had become a popular figure among a segment of the Shia world audience in recent years by performing religious pieces—particularly the anthem “Labbayk Ya Mahdi”—faced a citizenship revocation decree from his country.
This event has triggered a wave of sympathy among the Iranian public and led to the launch of a civic campaign to “grant Iranian citizenship” to this Bahraini artist.
Relying on historical arguments and the premise that Bahrain was a part of Iranian territory prior to its separation in the 1960s, the signatories of this campaign consider Mohammad Ghaloum to be of Iranian origin and view this move as a step toward reviving pro-Iranian sentiment among Bahraini Shias.
But beyond its emotional dimensions and stirring potential, is this request feasible within the legal framework and strategic calculations of the Islamic Republic?
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Legal Obstacles and the Challenges of Iran’s Civil Code
From the perspective of domestic law, the primary system for granting citizenship in Iran is based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood), centered on paternal lineage.
According to Article 979 of the Iranian Civil Code, for a foreign national to acquire Iranian citizenship, they must meet requirements such as reaching the full age of 18, having resided in Iran for five consecutive or intermittent years, not being a draft evader from military service, and having no convictions for major non-political crimes.
According to media reports, Mohammad Ghaloum currently does not meet the key requirement of five years of residency on Iranian soil.
Although exceptional regulations exist under the Iranian Civil Code that allow for the granting of citizenship—upon the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and approval by the Council of Ministers—to individuals who have rendered “distinguished services or assistance to the public interests of Iran” without satisfying the residency requirement, applying this exception to a cultural figure comes with serious constraints and complexities.
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In the contemporary history of Iran, similar instances of granting exceptional citizenship outside of bureaucratic processes have been highly limited, mostly restricted to non-Iranian combatants (based on specific laws concerning veterans) or prominent scientific elites.
Therefore, granting official citizenship to a eulogist or artist solely due to political or religious stances lacks a solid legal precedent and executive history.
Tehran’s Strategic and Security Concerns
The potential refusal of Iran’s decision-making structure to comply with this campaign stems from deep strategic concerns and anxieties, rather than being rooted in legal obstacles:
Validation of the Al Khalifa Regime’s Narrative: For years, Manama has characterized Bahraini protesters and Shias as a “fifth column” and agents under Tehran’s command. Swiftly granting Iranian citizenship to Mohammad Ghaloum would serve as direct validation of the Bahraini government’s claims, paving the way for harsher crackdowns and more widespread revocations of citizenship for other Shias under the pretext of “structural affiliation with Iran.”
Provocation of Arab-Nationalist Sensitivities: The campaign’s argument that “Bahrain was part of Iranian territory” will become fodder for regional condemnations against Tehran, particularly at a time when Iran’s diplomatic apparatus is seeking to manage post-war tensions with its Arab neighbors.
The Financial and Legal Burden of a Wave of Asylum Seekers: Citizenship revocation is a common punitive tool in Bahrain. If Iran establishes a precedent of granting citizenship to political-religious exiles, it will face a wave of requests, the legal and security management of which would impose a heavy burden on the country.
Alternative Solutions
Although legal boundaries and diplomatic interests prevent the issuance of Iranian identity cards to these fighters in the cultural sphere, Tehran has more effective and parallel options at its disposal to demonstrate its support and loyalty to individuals who have suffered because of Iran:
1. Granting Special Mission or Elite Residency Booklets: Iran’s supportive laws and resolutions contain legal capacities for international elites and specific activists, enabling the issuance of long-term residencies (5 to 10 years, renewable) without creating the political sensitivities associated with a change of citizenship.
This booklet grants the individual extensive welfare facilities—including the right to work, full banking services, health insurance, and even the possibility of owning real estate (within the framework of exceptional regulations and specific bylaws for foreign nationals)—ensuring they have a safe and dignified sanctuary on Iranian soil.
2. Creating Platforms for Production and Cultural Freedom of Expression: Providing advanced music and eulogy production facilities in Tehran or Mashhad for Mohammad Ghaloum, so that he can produce his works without censorship and distribute them across the Shia world.
Furthermore, officially inviting him to perform on major platforms, such as the national broadcaster (IRIB) or during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, preserves his artistic value.
3. International Legal and Media Diplomacy: Activating non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to file complaints against the Bahraini government in international bodies, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council; this is because, under international law, rendering individuals “stateless” based on ideological reasons is a clear violation of human rights. Additionally, bringing media attention to these cases raises the political cost for Manama.
4. Symbolic Actions and Honorary Titles: Awarding the highest cultural medals of the Islamic Republic in the presence of high-ranking officials, or granting the title of “Honorary Citizen” of religious cities like Mashhad and Qom, demonstrates the highest level of respect and appreciation from Iranian society without carrying the legal weight of citizenship.
While the campaign to grant citizenship to Mohammad Ghaloum reflects the deep religious ties between Iranian society and Bahraini Shias in the post-war atmosphere, it stands little chance of becoming a sovereign state decision due to rigid legal obstacles and security risks.
The macro-perspective in Tehran prefers to broadcast its clear message of support to the region’s Shias by granting special residencies, providing major media platforms, and awarding honorary titles, rather than entering the sensitive game of “altering national identity.” This is a clever strategy that keeps the art of resistance alive without provoking geopolitical sensitivities.
