TEHRAN – Foreign ministers of Iran and Bahrain recently held a significant discussion focused on strengthening bilateral ties and fostering political dialogue between the two nations.

The conversation, held over the phone on Thursday night, saw Bahrain's foreign minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani, extend his congratulations to Abbas Araqchi on his appointment as Iran’s new foreign minister. Al-Zayani expressed his hopes for an era of enhanced cooperation, specifically promoting joint political discussions between Tehran and Manama.

Araqchi, in response, thanked the Bahraini foreign minister for his kind words and his participation in the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. 

He emphasized the importance of Iran's relations with neighboring countries, stating that strengthening these ties is a top priority for the new administration. Araqchi highlighted that the Pezeshkian administration will continue to focus on developing positive diplomatic relations within the region.

Both ministers reiterated their commitment to continuing discussions and working together within the framework of existing agreements. They agreed that maintaining an open line of communication is essential to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

This conversation follows an earlier discussion between Bahrain's foreign minister al-Zayani and Iran’s acting foreign minister Ali Baqeri Kani, which took place last month. During that conversation, Bagheri Kani raised concerns over the ongoing aggression by the Israeli regime, particularly in Gaza. 

He condemned the regime's attacks on civilians, including children and women, and noted the recent escalation of violence. Bagheri Kani called for an immediate end to Israeli actions in Gaza and criticized the regime's expansion of hostilities to other areas, including Lebanon and Yemen.

Bagheri Kani also referred to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which he claimed was carried out by Israel, describing the silence from international powers on the actions as enabling further instability in the West Asia region. He reaffirmed Iran's right to take countermeasures, in accordance with international law, against the Israeli regime's aggression.

Al-Zayani echoed Bahrain's stance on the situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the need to provide humanitarian aid to the region’s civilians.

The conversation between the foreign ministers comes after a significant thaw in regional relations, marked by the rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia earlier this year. Bahrain had severed diplomatic ties with Iran in January 2016, following protests at its diplomatic mission in Tehran over the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia. However, the restoration of diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh, brokered in March 2023 with China's mediation, has paved the way for potential reconciliation between Iran and other Persian Gulf nations, including Bahrain.

In a gesture toward rebuilding ties, King Hamad of Bahrain expressed optimism regarding improving relations with Iran during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in May. He indicated that there was no reason to delay the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Additionally, al-Zayani visited Tehran earlier this year to offer condolences following the death of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a tragic helicopter crash. His visit marked a rare moment of diplomatic engagement between the two countries, signaling a potential for improved relations moving forward.