Bahrain Refuses Meeting with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz

15:51

Bahrain will not participate in the discussions scheduled for Monday in Oman between Iran and several Gulf countries regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Manama conditions any meeting with Tehran on the prior restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Manama Sets Its Conditions

Bahrain announced on Saturday its refusal to attend the meeting in Oman involving Iran, Iraq, and several Gulf states. The kingdom believes that no collective meeting involving Tehran can take place until diplomatic relations between the two countries are restored.

In a statement, the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified this position by the attacks attributed to Iran against Bahraini infrastructure and civilian facilities in the context of the Middle Eastern war.

Manama demands an end to hostile actions and respect for the sovereignty of states as necessary conditions for a return to normal neighborly relations.

Iran Seeks to Open Regional Dialogue

For its part, Iranian diplomacy announced on Friday the holding of a meeting in Oman with Iraqi representatives and other Gulf countries.

Tehran's stated goal is to promote dialogue among the states of the region and to contribute to strengthening collective security. This initiative comes as tensions remain particularly high around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime passage at the heart of global energy trade.

The meeting was intended to address the conditions of navigation in this essential area for international trade.

A Strait at the Heart of Energy Issues

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the main transit points for global hydrocarbon transport. Before the outbreak of the war, about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed through it.

For Bahrain, any potential agreement regarding this maritime route should respect international law and guarantee the free passage of ships. Manama advocates for a passage that would not be subject to discrimination, transit rights, or special authorizations.

Thus, the issue extends far beyond the relations between Bahrain and Iran. The stability of the Strait of Hormuz represents a major challenge for regional security and international energy supply.

A New Fault Line in the Gulf

Bahrain's position illustrates the deep divisions that persist between Tehran and several Gulf monarchies. The kingdom also hosts the U.S. Fifth Fleet, underscoring its close strategic ties with Washington.

While Iran seeks to bring regional countries together around a dialogue on the security of the strait, Manama's refusal shows that the necessary political conditions for regional consultation remain difficult to achieve.