Bahrain's king says the Gulf state has foiled a foreign plot to "subvert security and stability" in the island nation.
Any reference to a foreign conspiracy against Bahrain's Sunni dynasty can be interpreted as jab at the Shiite powerhouse Iran. Gulf Sunni kings and sheiks are concerned Iran will gain more influence in the oil-rich region because of Bahrain's unrest.
Bahrain is trying to crush a revolt of the Shiite majority who are demanding greater political freedoms. A Saudi-led force is in the kingdom to help.
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said in a statement Monday that the plot against Bahrain is 20 to 30 years old.
Bahrain is home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet.
AP