Iran and Bahrain have initiated talks to restore diplomatic relations after an eight-year rupture, with discussions led by Iran's acting foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Bahraini counterpart Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani. The dialogue, occurring during the Asian Cooperation Dialogue in Tehran, signifies a renewed commitment to diplomacy, aiming to establish a framework for reestablishing severed ties dating back to 2016. Bahrain's historical cut in relations with Iran followed Saudi Arabia's actions, but recent developments, including Iran and Saudi Arabia resuming relations in 2023, indicate a potential shift in Bahrain's stance towards reconciliation.