Bahrain And Iran: How Close Are These Neighbors?

Bahrain and Iran have had a historically tense relationship, with the closest distance between the borders of the two countries being 128 miles. The countries have had strained relations over geopolitical issues such as the interpretation of Islam and relations with Western countries. Iran has also been critical of Bahrain for hosting the United States Fifth Fleet within the Persian Gulf. Despite the tensions, the countries have engaged in joint economic ventures and have had bilateral relations since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The distance between the two countries is approximately 477 to 485 miles by air and 1,103 miles by road.

The distance between the two countries is 477-485 miles

The distance between Bahrain and Iran is approximately 477-<>485> miles. This is the distance between the two countries as the crow flies, or the air distance. The distance between the countries by road is much longer, at 1,096.7-1,103 miles.

The two countries are close geographically, but they have had a strained relationship since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The countries have had issues over geopolitical matters, such as the interpretation of Islam and relations with the West. There have also been allegations of interference in each other's affairs, and Iran has been critical of Bahrain's relationship with the United States.

Despite the proximity of the two countries, travel between them can be challenging. Flying is the fastest way to travel between the two, taking around 6 hours, while driving takes over 20 hours.

The relationship between Bahrain and Iran has been marked by periods of tension and rapprochement. In recent years, there have been efforts to improve relations, with Iran and Bahrain engaging in joint economic ventures. However, in 2024, amidst public unrest in Iran, the Iranian government laid claims to Bahrain, threatening its sovereignty.

The closest distance between the borders is 111 nautical miles

The Kingdom of Bahrain and the Islamic Republic of Iran are separated by a mere 111 nautical miles at the closest point between their borders. This distance is equivalent to 206 kilometres or 128 miles. To put this into context, the average flight speed of a commercial airliner is 567 miles per hour, so this distance could be covered in approximately 0.23 hours or 13 and a half minutes.

The distance between the two countries' centres is 485.08 miles or 780.67 kilometres. This distance could be covered in approximately 0.86 hours or 51 and a half minutes.

These distances are calculated in a straight line and do not take into account the actual travel routes between the two countries, which may be longer due to geographical features or other factors.

The relationship between Bahrain and Iran has been strained over the years due to various geopolitical issues, including interpretations of Islam and relations with Western countries. Despite this, the two countries have engaged in joint economic ventures and have had periods of closer relations.

The fastest way to travel between the two countries is by plane

The fastest way to travel between Bahrain and Iran is by plane. The distance between the two countries is around 477 to 485 miles, with an estimated flight time of 0.85 to 0.86 hours, assuming an average airplane speed of 560 to 567 mph.

There are no direct flights from Bahrain to Tehran, the capital of Iran. However, there are several flight routes with one or two stops that can be considered. For example, you can fly from Manama, Bahrain (BAH) to Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport (IKA) with a stop in Dubai or Doha. This route is served by Qatar Airways, Emirates, and other airlines. The average duration of this flight is around 5 hours and 46 minutes, and prices can start from as low as $30 one way.

Another option is to fly with Air Arabia or Etihad, which offer flights from Bahrain to Tehran with a stop in Sharjah. The total travel time for this route is approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, making it one of the faster options. The cheapest one-way flight for this route starts at $181.

It is worth noting that flight prices vary depending on the season, with February typically being the cheapest month to fly and July being the most expensive.

The cheapest way to travel between the two countries is by car

The distance between Bahrain and Iran is approximately 268 miles by road, with a distance of 477 to 485 miles between the two countries as the crow flies. The closest distance between the two countries' borders is 111 to 128 nautical miles.

To drive from Bahrain to Iran, you would need to start in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, and drive towards Banarud, a village in the Zanjan Province of Iran. The village has a population of 25 people, according to the 2006 census.

The drive will take you through a variety of landscapes, and you will be able to experience the culture and hospitality of both countries. The journey will also offer a unique perspective on the geography and local life of the region.

It is important to note that the estimated travel time and costs may vary depending on factors such as road conditions, traffic, detours, and your driving speed. Additionally, make sure to check and follow the latest travel advisories and guidelines when planning your trip.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strained since the 1979 Iranian Revolution

Bahrain and Iran are geographically close, with Iran dominating the island of Bahrain from 1602 to 1783. However, diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strained since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which saw Ayatollah Khomeini come to power.

Since the revolution, Iran has made clear its intention to export its Islamic revolution throughout the Muslim world, particularly the Arab world. This has caused tension with Bahrain, ruled by a Sunni monarchy, but with a Shia majority population. In 1981, just two years after the Iranian Revolution, a failed coup attempt in Bahrain was attributed to Iran. The Islamic Front for the Liberation of Bahrain (IFLB) was accused of receiving training under Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran denied any involvement, but the Bahraini government cracked down on its Shia population, putting thousands in jail and souring relations further.

In 2007, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran made an official visit to Bahrain, marking a period of closer relations and joint economic ventures between the two countries. However, this rapprochement was short-lived. In 2011, during the Arab Spring, Bahrain saw widespread protests, mainly by its Shia majority population, against the ruling Sunni monarchy. Iran expressed strong support for the demonstrators, and relations between the two countries cooled once again. Bahrain accused Iran of meddling in its internal affairs and expelled Iran's diplomats.

In 2015, tensions escalated again as Bahrain accused Iran of "continuing interference" and recalled its ambassador from Tehran. This came after the discovery of a bomb-making factory and the arrest of individuals with suspected links to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. In response, Iran expelled Bahrain's number two official in Tehran.

In 2016, Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Iran, accusing it of interference in Saudi internal affairs after the execution of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr. This was followed by the suspension of flights between the two countries and further deterioration in their relationship.

In recent years, Bahrain has taken steps to improve relations with Iran, including encouraging trade and normalizing diplomatic relations in 2024. However, tensions remain, with Iran laying claim to Bahrain amidst public unrest in Iran, which Bahrain sees as a threat to its sovereignty.

The complex dynamics between Bahrain and Iran are influenced by their religious differences, historical ties, and geopolitical considerations. The relationship between the two countries continues to be a delicate balance of cooperation and competition, with periods of rapprochement and tension.

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