Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday that it would decline to participate in a planned meeting scheduled for Monday in Muscat, where Iran and other regional countries were expected to discuss maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran has maintained effective control over the strategically important waterway during the ongoing conflict, restricting the flow of Gulf oil and gas exports. Iran’s government indicated that the gathering would serve as a forum for “consultations” regarding the strait’s operational status and future access. Bahrain’s position reflected broader regional tensions, with officials stating that regional security and stability cannot be achieved through accommodative policies. The kingdom emphasized its preference for unrestricted passage through the strait without tolls, discriminatory practices, or permit requirements.
Iran has sought to formalize its authority over the waterway, potentially including the ability to levy fees on transiting vessels. The country has been conducting negotiations with Oman, which exercises territorial control over portions of the strait. Bahrain noted that it remains committed to dialogue but will not engage in collective meetings that include Iran until the two nations restore formal diplomatic relations, which were severed in 2016. While Saudi Arabia reestablished ties with Iran in 2023, Bahrain has not followed suit.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman characterized the proposed meeting as evidence of Tehran’s constructive intent, arguing that regional security should be managed by nations of the region without external involvement. He noted that Iran was willing to engage with neighboring countries despite their territories and military facilities being utilized in attacks against Iran. According to reporting, the meeting is not anticipated to produce a formal agreement on the strait, though it may establish preliminary understandings for future reopening discussions.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI