Bahrain Rejects Oman Meeting Over Strait of Hormuz Security

Bahrain has made its position clear: it will sit this one out. The Gulf kingdom announced Saturday that it declines to join a proposed gathering in Oman between Iran and other regional players. The agenda focuses on safe passage for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran told Al Jazeera Monday's meeting signals good intentions toward neighbors.

Bahrain's Foreign Ministry issued a statement explaining why they are walking away. In light of what has been circulated, the Kingdom will not participate in it, the ministry said. Pointing to attacks on infrastructure across the Gulf, Bahrain argued that security and stability in the region cannot be preserved through a policy of appeasement. They called for Hormuz to be open without discrimination, fees or permits.

Tehran has been pushing to formalise its control over the waterway, including potentially charging fees for passage. Iran's foreign ministry said a meeting is planned on Monday in Muscat for consultations on the strait's future. Reuters quoted an unnamed senior Iranian official saying the gathering will discuss issues but it is not expected to yield a signed agreement over the Strait of Hormuz.

The strait was free to use by shipping from all nations before the US and Israel attacked Iran late in February, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has effectively blockaded the shipping channel throughout the war, stopping Gulf oil and gas exports worldwide. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that an understanding between Iran and Oman would not provide for the immediate reopening of the strait but only establish the basis on which it could reopen.

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told Al Jazeera Saturday that the meeting is a sign of Iran's good intention. He said they have stated all along that the security of the region must be guaranteed by the countries of the region, without intervention by the foreigners or outside powers. This is a sign we will talk to our neighbours, despite the fact their territories, their military bases or the military bases of the United States were used to attack Iran, Baghaei said.

Baghaei added that Tehran would brief delegations about the results of the Iran and Oman consultations regarding safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain's Foreign Ministry said it maintains its commitment to dialogue but will not be a party to any collective meeting that includes Iran before the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 alongside Saudi Arabia during an earlier crisis between the regional rivals. While Riyadh restored ties in 2023, Manama is yet to do so.