Bahrain to restore envoy to Baghdad in breakthrough after first Iraqi PM visit in decades

Bahrain has made the decision to send an ambassador back to Iraq, ending a diplomatic rift and signalling a thaw in relations after the first visit by an Iraqi prime minister to the kingdom in more than two decades. The move was confirmed by Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani during a phone call with Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.

Dr Al Zayani expressed Bahrain's appreciation for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's visit and announced that Manama would restore its envoy to Baghdad, highlighting the kingdom's desire to strengthen relations with Iraq and explore joint cooperation opportunities. Hussein, in turn, affirmed Iraq's interest in enhancing bilateral ties with Bahrain across multiple domains, emphasizing the importance of continued coordination and consultation.

The diplomats discussed regional developments, underscoring the need for ongoing cooperation. The ambassador's departure from Baghdad in April was prompted by regional tensions; Bahrain summoned the Iraqi charge d'affaires in protest against drone strikes allegedly targeting US military installations in response to Iran-backed militia attacks.

For Baghdad, the ambassador's return signifies a symbolic and practical progression, as Iraq seeks to position itself as a mediator between regional powers rather than a battleground for their disputes. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has been focusing on mending relations with Gulf states since assuming office in May, advocating for dialogue among the Gulf Cooperation Council states plus Iraq and Iran, known as the 6+2 initiative.

His recent visit to Bahrain was hailed in Manama as historic, marking the first visit by a leader of post-2003 Iraq. Al Zaidi conveyed his aim to revive the historic relationship between the two nations, with ongoing efforts to bolster ties in economic and political spheres. He received Crown Prince Salman, jointly chaired expanded talks with him, and later met King Hamad, inviting the latter to visit Iraq, underscoring Baghdad's intent to normalize ties with Gulf neighbors.

The strained relations between Iraq and Bahrain have persisted due to sectarian politics and regional rivalry, exacerbated by perceptions of Iraq aligning with Tehran against Gulf states, despite maintaining formal diplomatic ties. The Bahrain visit marks the latest leg of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's extensive regional tour, which has taken him across the region over the past two weeks.

He previously visited Jordan, meeting King Abdullah II, and later traveled to Damascus for talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara, the first visit by an Iraqi prime minister to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The discussions in Damascus encompassed trade, investment, border security, the restoration of the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, and broader efforts to stabilize the region.