From Territorial Dispute to Diplomatic Partnership

Ironically, just as Iran settled the Bahrain issue, it moved to occupy three other islands—Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs—in late 1971. This created a paradox in Bahraini-Iranian relations. While Bahrain was grateful for its own independence, as a member of the Arab League, it had to walk a tightrope, balancing its new friendship with Iran against the anger of its Arab neighbors (particularly the UAE).