Step Toward Middle East Peace

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the weekly Cabinet Meeting at Gudaibiya Palace on Monday. The session opened with ministers extending congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on the upcoming Hijri New Year 1448 AH, wishing the Kingdom and the broader Arab and Islamic world continued progress and prosperity.

Backing the US-Iran framework

The Cabinet reviewed a telephone call made by US President Donald Trump to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa , which addressed diplomatic efforts aimed at a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran. Bahrain welcomed the agreed framework, which outlines a basis for negotiation and a ceasefire. Ministers described the MoU as a meaningful step toward de-escalation and confidence-building, with the ultimate goal of reaching a comprehensive agreement that reinforces security and lasting peace across the Middle East.

Regional diplomacy praised

The Cabinet praised President Trump's efforts to advance regional peace and acknowledged Pakistan's constructive diplomatic mediation, supported by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, in narrowing differences and encouraging dialogue. Bahrain called for a durable peace agreement that promotes economic sustainability, protects civilians and critical infrastructure, and safeguards international maritime and air navigation.

Gulf cooperation

Ministers expressed gratitude to the Bahrain Defence Force, the National Guard, the Ministry of Interior, and all military and civil agencies for their vigilance during recent regional developments. The Cabinet also stressed the importance of deepening military cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council member states and commended a recent statement issued by the GCC Ministerial Council.

The session concluded with a review of preparations for the Ashura season, with the Ministry of Interior and relevant authorities confirmed to be in place to ensure all requirements for a successful commemoration are met.

 

Cabinet decisions and key updates

• Approved a draft law amending provisions regulating the use of groundwater.
• Approved the Charter of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate.
• Approved an agreement between Bahrain Customs Affairs (Ministry of Interior) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs of India on mutual recognition of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
• Approved the government’s responses to draft laws and proposals submitted by the Council of Representatives.
• Reviewed outcomes of the fourth regular session of the sixth legislative term of the Shura Council and Council of Representatives, highlighting strengthened Executive–Legislative cooperation in lawmaking and oversight.
• Reviewed progress on healthcare sector priorities under the Government Programme (2023–2026), including work by national committees and task forces.
• Took note of Bahrain’s participation in the 167th GCC Ministerial Council session and the Gulf–Canada Joint Ministerial Meeting.
• Noted the outcomes of the Foreign Minister’s official visit to the Russian Federation.
• Reviewed Bahrain’s participation in ILA Berlin 2026.
• Reviewed participation in the 114th International Labour Conference.
• Reviewed Bahrain’s summer 2026 events calendar.