Reconciliation between Iran and Gulf countries must address the issue of Iran’s support for Shiite minorities in the region. Over the years, Iran has provided support for any Gulf state linked to Israel, making this a sensitive matter. Following the reconciliation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Iran’s focus has extended to Bahrain. Iranian media have emphasized talks with Bahrain, describing a potential rapprochement as another example of diplomatic success. While it remains to be seen if talks will bear fruit, it would not be surprising if Iran and Bahrain rekindled their ties after the recent Saudi Arabia deal.
Iran Seeks to Normalize Relations with Bahrain
Iran is attempting to renew its relationships and connections throughout the Gulf. After reconciling with Saudi Arabia through an agreement facilitated by China, Bahrain is the logical next step for Iran given Bahrain’s foreign policy of closeness to Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that Iran’s foreign ministry is attempting to connect with other countries in the region, including Bahrain, following the resumption of political relations with Saudi Arabia. Iran’s efforts to normalize relations across the Gulf are ongoing.
The context of the region is critical, as each country has its own foreign policy history. Qatar has always been close to Iran and has never sided with Saudi Arabia or the UAE and Bahrain during periods of tension with Iran. Kuwait has been hesitant to engage with Iran, preferring to remain neutral in Gulf affairs. Oman has tried to play a neutral role, maintaining relations with Israel before the Abraham Accords, and has hosted Iranian embassies while collaborating with the United States, India, and other Gulf states.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have been at the forefront of foreign policy in the region in recent years, with both countries reconciling with Qatar in 2017 and with each other in Yemen in 2015. Both countries have been targeted by Iran-backed Houthis, and Iran attacked Saudi Arabia in Abqaiq in 2019.
Bahrain, on the other hand, is sparsely populated, close to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and reliant on support from Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. While Bahrain has supported coexistence with Israel, the country is aware that Iran has historically undermined its monarchy and exacerbated human rights and sectarian issues in Bahrain due to the Shia population there. Bahrain’s cautious approach to relationships in the region is understandable given its location and the presence of a significant US naval base.
Overall, Iran’s efforts to normalize relations across the Gulf are ongoing, and Bahrain could be the next country to see a renewal of political ties with Iran. However, the region’s complex history and competing foreign policies will continue to play a role in shaping relationships between countries.
Reconciliation with Iran Could Impact Gulf Shiites
Reconciliation between Iran and Gulf countries must address the issue of Iran’s support for Shiite minorities in the region. Over the years, Iran has provided support for any Gulf state linked to Israel, making this a sensitive matter. Following the reconciliation between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Iran’s focus has extended to Bahrain. Iranian media have emphasized talks with Bahrain, describing a potential rapprochement as another example of diplomatic success. While it remains to be seen if talks will bear fruit, it would not be surprising if Iran and Bahrain rekindled their ties after the recent Saudi Arabia deal.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
