Bahrain: From Persian Gulf Outpost to Independent Isle

However, the reality on the ground was quite different. For over a century, the British had been the dominant external power in the Persian Gulf, gradually solidifying their influence over Bahrain through a series of agreements with the Al Khalifa rulers. These treaties effectively granted Britain control over Bahrain's foreign affairs and defense, turning it into a de facto British protectorate. This arrangement directly challenged Iran's claims, creating a protracted diplomatic struggle where Britain consistently rebuffed Iranian protests and upheld the Al Khalifa's autonomy.