Bahraini officers have beforehand stated that Manama is in search of improved relations with Tehran after years of tensions.
Bahrain has despatched a request by way of Russia to re-establish diplomatic relations with Iran, Iranian information shops have reported, citing presidential adviser Mohammad Jamshidi.
The stories on Friday come after a number of public statements by Bahraini officers expressing openness to restoring ties with Iran after years of tensions between the 2 international locations.
“Bahrain has despatched a message to Iran via Russia to normalise relations with Iran,” Jamshidi was quoted as saying by Iran’s Press TV.
Manama had minimize off diplomatic relations with Tehran in 2016 following a spike in tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Bahrain had additionally accused Iran of involvement in antigovernment protests that swept the nation in 2011.
Saudi Arabia normalised its personal relations with Iran as a part of a Chinese language-brokered settlement final yr.
Final month, throughout a go to to Moscow, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa stated the Gulf island appears to be like ahead to improved relations with Iran.
Bahrain’s state information company BNA cited him as saying that there was no motive to delay the resumption of relations between the 2 international locations.
King Hamad reiterated that message when he met with Chinese language Premier Li Qiang in Beijing final week.
“As advocates of peace, tolerance, and human coexistence, we consider in adopting a peaceable and diplomatic strategy, grounded in rules of excellent neighbourliness and non-interference in inner affairs,” Hamad stated, in line with BNA.
“We search to renew diplomatic ties with Iran as a neighbour, and we welcome your help for this effort to advertise peace and stability within the area.”
Final month, the Bahraini monarch despatched a cable to Iranian Supreme Chief Ali Khamenei to precise condolences for the dying of President Ibrahim Raisi, who was killed in a helicopter crash.
In 2020, Bahrain signed a deal to determine formal ties with Israel – Iran’s bitter rival – as a part of a United States-brokered effort. Two years later, the Gulf nation signed a safety cooperation settlement with Israel.
In December, Bahrain joined a US-led navy coalition to counter assaults on worldwide transport lanes by Yemen’s Iran-allied Houthis.
The Yemeni group has sworn to proceed attacking Israel-linked ships inside its attain, particularly within the Pink Sea, till the Israeli authorities ends the conflict on Gaza, which has killed greater than 36,000 Palestinians.