TEHRAN– Bahrain has recently expressed its intention to significantly improve and strengthen its diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, signaling a proactive effort towards fostering a thaw in Bahrain-Iran relations.

During a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain reiterated Manama's desire to reestablish ties with Tehran.

King Al Khalifa traveled to Beijing on Thursday to attend the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum. On Friday, he met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where he expressed Bahrain’s efforts to restore relations with Iran, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the region. The King welcomed Beijing’s support in these endeavors, particularly in addressing the Palestinian issue.

Highlighting the relationship between Arab countries and China, King Al Khalifa expressed Bahrain's eagerness to strengthen cooperation and mutual friendship. He praised the significant progress achieved through close collaboration with China and called on the international community and the UN Security Council to take decisive action to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza and to help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Premier Li Qiang noted the long history of cooperation between China and Bahrain, marking 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He underscored the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Bahrain's government has previously emphasized its desire to normalize relations with neighboring countries, including Iran. 

In a recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, King Al Khalifa expressed support for restoring ties with Tehran, stating that the air is now clear between the Islamic Republic and Bahrain and there is no reason to delay normalization.

King Al Khalifa stressed Bahrain's commitment to good neighborliness and highlighted the importance of diplomatic, commercial, and cultural relations with neighboring countries, which he believes will be welcomed by the Bahraini people too.

The recent wave of improving ties with Tehran began during the administration of the late President Ebrahim Raisi, with Saudi Arabia being the first nation to rekindle relations with Iran. In mid-August, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian made his first official trip to Saudi Arabia in 12 years, following a landmark rapprochement in March. During the visit, both Iranian and Saudi officials praised the enhancement of bilateral ties, emphasizing how their cooperation would contribute to regional stability.

Iran and Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic relations after a seven-year hiatus under a deal brokered by China that has been seen as unfavorable for the U.S. and Israel.

At the funeral ceremony for the late President Raisi in Tehran, nearly 68 senior officials from over 50 countries and several international organizations gathered to pay respects. 

The ceremony, held at the Iran International Conference Center, included 10 heads of state, 20 ministers, and various parliamentary speakers and special representatives dispatched by foreign governments.

The significant presence of dignitaries at the funeral underscored the success and impact of the Raisi administration's policy of fostering good neighborly relations.