Bahrain has reached out to Iran through Russia to restore diplomatic relations, as reported by Iranian news sources citing presidential adviser Mohammad Jamshidi. This initiative follows years of strained relations, which saw Bahrain cut ties with Iran in 2016 amid accusations of Iranian involvement in Bahraini antigovernment protests and rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain recently expressed readiness to improve ties with Iran during a visit to Moscow, emphasizing a peaceful and diplomatic approach. Bahrain’s state news agency BNA quoted him as saying there was no reason to delay resuming relations. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s recent normalization with Iran under a Chinese-brokered agreement.
Bahrain’s outreach includes sending condolences to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for the death of President Ibrahim Raisi, signaling a willingness to mend ties. This is a significant shift given Bahrain’s historical alignment with Iran’s adversaries. In 2020, Bahrain formalized ties with Israel, followed by a security cooperation agreement and joining a US-led coalition against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.
The Houthis have vowed to continue attacking Israel-linked ships until Israel ceases its Gaza operations, which have resulted in substantial Palestinian casualties. Bahrain’s diplomatic efforts with Iran, facilitated by Russia, reflect a pragmatic approach to regional stability amidst complex Middle Eastern geopolitics. However, overcoming historical mistrust and geopolitical rivalries will require sustained diplomatic engagement. This initiative marks a significant step in Bahrain’s broader regional realignment towards de-escalation and cooperation.
