Bahrain has confirmed it will not take part in a proposed summit in Oman convened by Iran to discuss shipping safety in the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf kingdom issued a statement on Saturday declining the invitation, reiterating that it will not engage in collective forums that include Tehran until diplomatic relations are restored.
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that regional stability cannot be achieved through “appeasement,” referencing recent attacks on infrastructure throughout the Gulf. Bahrain called for the strait to remain open to all nations without discrimination, fees, or permit requirements.
Iran has effectively controlled the vital waterway during the ongoing conflict, halting global oil and gas exports from the region. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the Monday meeting in Muscat as a step toward consultations on the future management of the strait.
Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, told Al Jazeera that the gathering demonstrates Tehran’s willingness to dialogue with its neighbors, despite previous military operations launched from regional territories. He stated that Iran would share the outcomes of its bilateral discussions with Oman regarding safe passage.
A senior Iranian official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, noted that while the Oman meeting would allow for discussion, it is unlikely to produce a signed agreement on the strait. Additionally, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that any understanding reached between Iran and Oman would not immediately reopen the waterway but would instead lay the groundwork for its future reopening.
Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 amid heightened tensions with Riyadh, which had also cut relations at the time. While Saudi Arabia normalized its ties with Iran in 2023, Bahrain has yet to follow suit, maintaining its stance that no multilateral meetings involving Iran will occur until full diplomatic relations are resumed.
It is surprising Iran thinks a meeting with Oman alone achieves anything without Bahrain or Kuwait at the table.
Calling it appeasement is convenient rhetoric. They seem more interested in posturing than actually securing the waterway for everyone.
I didn’t realize Bahrain still hadn’t restored ties like Saudi Arabia did. That’s a significant divergence in Gulf policy.
Bahrain’s stance is bold but isolationist. Can real stability be built while cutting off diplomatic channels entirely?