Israeli adviser warns on Iran at Bahrain forum

Israel's national security adviser Eyal Hulata called Iran the "most destabilizing force in the region," "threatening civilian life" and of "feeding on chaos" in the region.

Speaking in Bahrain at the annual Manama Dialogue, Hulata urged attendees to "think how much bolder and dangerous it will be with a nuclear umbrella, should Iran achieve its nuclear ambitions."

Israel considers Iran an existential threat, and has warned that it would act with military force if needed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. Tehran is set to renew nuclear talks with world powers this month, after the 2015 accord to curb its nuclear program collapsed following the U.S.'s withdrawal from the agreement in 2018.

Hulata also announced he'll be travelling to the United Arab Emirates later on Sunday, where Israel's energy minister is set to sign a declaration of intent with her Jordanian counterpart to build a solar field in Jordan that will provide energy to Israel, and a desalination plant to provide water to Jordan.

The Manama Dialogue takes place each year in Bahrain, a small island kingdom off the coast of Saudi Arabia that's home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet.

Bahrain also has engaged in a yearslong campaign crushing dissent. Ahead of the gathering, activists wrote to the U.S. Defence Secretary, urging him to raise the detention of prisoners on the island and Bahrain's involvement in the Yemen war.