Iranian-Bahraini relations until independence in 1971

Abstract

Since ancient times, Bahrain has been renowned as a vital transportation route and an important commercial hub. It was also famous for its wealth of pearls, palm trees, and fish, which made it a focus of attention for competing colonial powers seeking to acquire colonies. Furthermore, its geographical location in the southern Arabian Gulf, on its western shore—approximately 238 km from the Iranian coast—encouraged Iran\'s claims over Bahrain as part of its territory. These claims were based on historical documents dating back to Persian rule in the Arabian Gulf. However, these claims were officially withdrawn in 1971 after Iran agreed to the decision of the Fact-Finding Mission, which conducted a popular referendum to determine the fate of the Bahraini people. The results led to independence from Iran and the declaration of Bahrain as a sovereign, independent state, and subsequently a member of the United Nations.