The Facts
Following a meeting between the acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani on Sunday, both countries agreed to start talks to restore political relations.
In a joint statement issued by the two countries, the top diplomats announced plans to create "the mechanisms required for initiating talks aimed at resuming political relations between the two countries."
The Spin
The signs may point towards rapprochement, but Bahrain should remain skeptical. Not only does Iran constantly interfere in Bahrain's domestic affairs, but Tehran is also sheltering several wanted Bahraini opposition figures. In addition, Iran links the resumption of bilateral ties to the opposition's return to Bahrain and the release of suspicious Shiite prisoners. The Gulf kingdom should think twice about whether the restoration of relations with the Iranian regime is worth the price.
