Iran and Bahrain have taken a significant step towards re-establishing diplomatic relations after nearly eight years of severed ties. Reports indicate that Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani have agreed to initiate discussions on the framework necessary to resume bilateral diplomacy.
The decision was made during their meeting at the Asian Cooperation Dialogue in Tehran, marking Mr. al-Zayani’s second visit to Iran in a month. Bahrain severed diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016 following Saudi Arabia’s lead after tensions escalated over the execution of a Shiite cleric and attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.