Bahrain Declines to Join Oman-Hosted Hormuz Talks Until Iran Relations Resume

Bahrain's foreign ministry warned that ongoing attacks on Gulf infrastructure demonstrate that regional security cannot rely on a policy of appeasement, and called for the Hormuz Strait to stay open without discrimination, fees or permits. Iran's foreign ministry announced a meeting in Muscat to negotiate the future of the strategic waterway, which it hopes to regulate, potentially imposing passage charges. While Bahrain affirmed its willingness to engage in dialogue, it stated it will not take part in any collective meeting that includes Iran until diplomatic relations between Manama and Tehran are resumed.

The kingdom severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 alongside Saudi Arabia, and although Riyadh restored relations in 2023, Bahrain has not followed suit. The meeting comes as the strait, vital for global oil and gas flows, has been free for all nations since the Middle East war that began in late February.