Bahrain Skips Iran Talks, Cites Lack of Diplomatic Ties
Bahrain has announced it will not participate in a ministerial meeting scheduled for September 14 concerning the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, nor will it engage in any collective negotiations involving Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Manama stated that Bahrain is only willing to return to such formats after diplomatic relations with Tehran are restored. The ministry officially informed Oman of its position through diplomatic channels in advance.
"In light of media and social media reports about a supposed meeting of ministers on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies that the Kingdom of Bahrain will not participate in it, nor will it be party to any collective meetings with the participation of Iran until diplomatic relations between the two countries are restored," the statement read. Bahrain emphasized that its refusal to participate does not signify an underestimation of Oman's role, expressing gratitude for Muscat's efforts and commitment to dialogue for resolving differences.
The meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers was set to take place in Oman on Monday, September 14. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed on September 11 that Iran would attend. He indicated that beyond the regional agenda, participants would discuss the outcomes of Iran-Oman negotiations regarding safe shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain and Iran have not maintained diplomatic relations since 2016, when Manama severed ties following Riyadh's lead after Iranian protesters attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. These protests were a reaction to Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shiite cleric. Since the start of hostilities between the US, Israel, and the Iranian regime in February, Bahrain has reportedly faced repeated missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran.
