The Maldives has restored diplomatic relations with Iran after a seven-year hiatus. The decision was made during a meeting held on the sidelines of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The meeting was held on September 22 between Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and the Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Amir-Abdollahian. During the meeting, the two countries restored diplomatic relations in alignment with the interests of their citizens.

As such, The Maldives and Iran have agreed to further develop the friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. Both countries also resolved to strengthen cooperation on a wide range of areas including investment, trade, seamless of travel and people-to-people contact, science, and technological innovation.

The Maldives first established diplomatic relations with Iran in 1975 and decided to cut off ties in 2016 after stating that Iran was threatening the peace and security in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia, a close ally of the Maldives, also restored ties with Iran in June.