Bahrain Rejects Iran-Gulf Talks as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Continue

Bahrain announced not to join Monday’s meeting between Iran and Gulf countries in Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The decision has raised uncertainty around the talks, with an Iranian official saying the talks are not expected to result in a signed deal.

The Foreign Ministry of Bahrain stated that, it would not join of collective meeting with Iran until the two countries reinstate diplomatic affairs. Bahrain broke off diplomatic connections with Iran in 2016, following a related pronouncement by Saudi Arabia. While Saudi Arabia improved diplomatic relations with Iran in 2023, Bahrain has not taken the same stair.

Bahrain also called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open without discrimination, fees or permits. The ministry said regional security and stability could not be maintained through what it described as a policy of appeasement.

An Iranian official said the Monday’s meeting would offer an opportunity to focus on Strait of Hormuz issues and other issues but the talks were not expected to produce a signed deal. Iran has been negotiating with Oman over rules for shipping through the strategic waterway. Tehran is pursuing an settlement that identifies its authority to charge vessels using the passage, but Oman has rejected the proposal.

Masoud Pezeshkian an Iranian President, also held summits with regional leaders on the spin-offs of the BRICS summit in New Delhi. He held talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on regional matters, decrease, stability and peace.

Pezeshkian also told Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that the Middle East does not need the United States to act as a “regional policeman”. He said regional security and territorial integrity should be guaranteed by the countries of the region themselves.