Bahrain and Iran have agreed to commence conversations directed at reestablishing political connections between the two nations, as announced by the Bahraini foreign ministry following a meeting in Tehran between their foreign ministers.

The discussions involved Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani and Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani, during al-Zayani’s visit to Tehran for the Asian Cooperation Dialogue summit.

“Both parties agreed during this meeting to set up the required mechanisms to initiate discussions to evaluate the possibilities of reinstating political relations,” the statement confirmed.

For over a decade, Bahrain and Iran have faced persistent disagreements. In 2016, Manama severed ties with Tehran due to escalating tensions between Bahrain’s ally, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. At that time, Bahrain also accused Iran of instigating a 2011 anti-government protest led by Bahrain’s Shia community, which was suppressed following a Saudi military intervention.

Saudi Arabia had similarly broken off ties with Iran in 2016 but restored them last year under a Chinese-mediated agreement, which has subsequently improved relations between Iran and Bahrain.

Earlier this June, Bahrain reportedly used Russia to send a request to reestablish diplomatic relations with Iran, as reported by Iranian media.

Additionally, in May, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa expressed the nation’s anticipation of fostering better relations with Iran.