📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
Iran and Bahrain have recently made headlines with their decision to resume diplomatic talks after nearly eight years of severed relations. The discussions were initiated during the Asian Cooperation Dialogue in Tehran, where Iran’s acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and his Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani met. Both countries have agreed to create a framework for restarting discussions on the requirements for resuming diplomatic relations.
This significant development comes after Bahrain cut its diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 following Saudi Arabia’s similar actions. The series of events unfolded when Riyadh executed an opposition Shiite cleric and faced attacks on its diplomatic posts in Iran. However, in 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia were able to mend their relations, paving the way for possible reconciliation with Bahrain.
During his visit to Tehran, al-Zayani paid his respects at a memorial for President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in May. This marked his second visit to the Iranian capital in a month, indicating the growing diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
The willingness of Iran and Bahrain to engage in talks signals a potential shift in regional dynamics and presents an opportunity for enhanced cooperation between the two nations. As they lay the groundwork for future discussions, the international community will keenly observe the progress of these dialogues and the prospects of re-establishing diplomatic relations after a prolonged hiatus.
