📷 Image Credits: Press TV
Iran and Bahrain have agreed to start negotiations on the restoration of political relations after a hiatus of more than eight years. The announcement came following a meeting between Iran’s acting Foreign Minister Ali Kani and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif Al Zayani in Tehran during the ongoing Asian Cooperation Dialogue. Both officials discussed creating a framework to initiate talks on the requirements for resuming diplomatic relations between the two countries. This development marks a significant step towards bridging the gap that was created when Bahrain cut its diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016, following Saudi Arabia’s lead after the execution of an opposition Shiite cleric and attacks on Saudi diplomatic posts in Iran. The recent interactions between Iran and Bahrain signal a potential thaw in their relationship, mirroring Iran’s restored diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 2023. Bahrain’s willingness to engage in discussions with Iran highlights a shift towards diplomatic reconciliation in the Gulf region. With both countries emphasizing the historical, religious, and strategic bonds that connect them, the prospect of renewed political ties offers hope for increased cooperation and stability in the region.
