Saudi troops to stay in Bahrain

Saudi-led forces sent to Bahrain to help crush anti-government protests will remain even after emergency rule is lifted next month, the kingdom's military said, in a move likely to deepen regional tensions with Iran.

Iran, a centre of Shia power, has condemned the Gulf Arab force in Bahrain as an "occupation" by Sunni states against Bahrain's Shia majority, which has faced a deadly crackdown since protests began three months ago.

Bahrain's hard line continued yesterday when a special security court sentenced a protester to 15 years in prison.