According to Al Jazeera reporting from September 2026, Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry announced it will not participate in a proposed regional meeting in Oman between Iran and other regional countries aimed at discussing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has effectively blockaded the strategic shipping channel throughout the war, halting global oil and gas exports from the Gulf region.
Bahrain Rejects Meeting Over Infrastructure Attacks and Lack of Ties
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry stated on Saturday that security and stability in the region “cannot be preserved through a policy of appeasement,” while pointing to attacks on infrastructure across the Gulf. According to the same statement, Manama called for Hormuz to be open without “discrimination, fees or permits.”
While Bahrain maintains a commitment to dialogue, its Foreign Ministry emphasized that the nation “will not be a party to any collective meeting that includes Iran before the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.” Manama cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 alongside Saudi Arabia. Although Riyadh restored ties with Iran in 2023, Bahrain has yet to do so.
Tehran Frames Muscat Talks as a Sign of Good Intentions
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, told Al Jazeera on Saturday that the planned Monday consultations in Muscat serve as “a sign of Iran’s good intention because we have said all along that the security of the region must be guaranteed by the countries of the region, without intervention by the foreigners, without intervention by the outside powers.”
Baghaei stated that the meeting is “a sign we will talk to our neighbours, despite the fact that their territories, their military bases or the military bases of the United States, were used to attack Iran.” He added that Tehran would “brief the delegations about the results of the Iran and Oman consultations regarding the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Did you know? 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 been pushing to formalise its control over the waterway, including potentially charging fees for passage, and has been in negotiations with Muscat, as Oman’s territorial waters also cover Hormuz.
Scope of the Muscat Consultations and Reopening Hurdles
Reuters news agency quoted an unnamed senior Iranian official saying that the meeting in Oman will be a chance to discuss issues, but it is not expected to yield a signed agreement over the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bahrain refusing to attend the Oman meeting?
According to Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry, Manama points to attacks on infrastructure across the Gulf and insists it will not be a party to any collective meeting that includes Iran before the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
What is the primary goal of Monday’s meeting in Muscat?
The meeting is planned for “consultations” on the strait’s future and safe passage of ships, though an immediate reopening of the waterway is not expected.
Who controls the territorial waters around the strait?
Oman’s territorial waters cover Hormuz, and Tehran has been in negotiations with Muscat as part of its push to formalise control over the waterway.
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