RismadarVoice Reporters
September 12, 2026
Bahrain has said it will not participate in a meeting proposed by Iran in Oman to discuss the future of shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, citing the absence of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry had announced that representatives of Gulf states would meet in Muscat on Monday for consultations on the security and future operation of the waterway, which has been severely disrupted during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said the kingdom remained committed to dialogue but would not join any collective meeting involving Iran until diplomatic relations between the two countries are restored.
“In light of what has been circulated, the Kingdom of Bahrain will not participate in it,” the ministry said in a statement.
Bahrain also rejected what it described as attempts to address regional security through appeasement, saying stability could not be achieved while infrastructure across Gulf countries remained under attack.
The kingdom called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open to international shipping without discrimination, fees or permits.
The development comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s effective control of the waterway, one of the world’s most important energy routes. The strait connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a major transit route for oil and gas exports from Gulf producers.
Iran has been discussing arrangements with Oman over the safe passage of vessels through the strait. Oman’s territorial waters also extend into the strategic waterway.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the proposed meeting demonstrated Tehran’s willingness to engage with neighbouring countries on regional security.
He said Iran believed Gulf countries should take responsibility for securing the region without intervention from foreign powers.
Baghaei said Tehran would brief participating delegations on consultations between Iran and Oman concerning the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Iranian officials have indicated that Monday’s meeting may not result in an immediate agreement or the reopening of the waterway. Reports from Iranian state-linked media suggested that any understanding reached with Oman would establish a framework for a possible reopening rather than guarantee an immediate resumption of unrestricted shipping.
DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS
Bahrain’s decision is also rooted in its long-running diplomatic dispute with Iran. Manama severed diplomatic relations with Tehran in 2016 alongside Saudi Arabia during a period of heightened tensions between the regional rivals.
Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic relations with Iran in 2023, but Bahrain has not yet followed suit.
Bahrain said it would therefore not take part in a multilateral forum with Iran until diplomatic ties between the two countries resume.
The disagreement adds another complication to diplomatic efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, where any prolonged disruption could have significant consequences for global energy supplies and international shipping.
Iran, meanwhile, says regional countries should play the leading role in determining the security arrangements for the waterway, while Gulf states continue to demand unrestricted access for commercial shipping.
The proposed Muscat meeting is therefore expected to test whether Iran and its Gulf neighbours can reach a common position on the security and operation of the strait despite their continuing political and military differences.
