Bahrain and Iran move closer to restoring diplomatic ties

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Arabia's, after Iranian protesters, enraged by the execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr by the Saudi government,
stormed its diplomatic mission in Iran.In a statement published on Tuesday, the Ministry emphasized that Bahrain's foreign policy is
grounded in protecting its sovereignty, advancing national interests, and promoting regional stability
The statement highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to good neighborliness, non-interference in other countries' affairs, and fostering
cooperation through mutual respect
Specifically, the ministry said it is working to establish the necessary legal frameworks with Iran to fully restore diplomatic ties
Recent mutual visits, it added, have paved the way for renewed discussions on this goal.These efforts are being undertaken with the
push for restored relations comes after a landmark agreement in March 2023, brokered in Beijing, that saw Saudi Arabia and Iran agree to
re-open embassies
This broader regional shift towards reconciliation has paved the way for Bahrain's efforts.A key meeting in October further highlighted the
warming relationship
During Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Manama, discussions centered on regional developments, including the escalating
violence in Gaza and Lebanon
Araghchi urged regional cooperation to end Israeli barbarism, citing the conflict in Gaza and aggression in Lebanon
King Hamad, in turn, expressed his desire for peace and dignity for all people in the region and also voiced his intention to visit
Tehran.The context for these discussions includes the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli strikes have tragically resulted in the deaths
of at least 45,541 Palestinians, primarily women and children, and injured over 108,000.Iran is also on the verge of restoring relations
with Egypt after four decades of no official ties