Bahrain announced Saturday it will not participate in a proposed meeting in Oman aimed at discussing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane currently experiencing disruptions. The meeting, initiated by Iran, was scheduled for Monday in Muscat.

Iran has been asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blockaded throughout the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran. This blockade has significantly impacted worldwide oil and gas exports. Iran's foreign ministry stated the meeting was intended for "consultations" regarding the strait's future.

The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared, "In light of what has been circulated… the Kingdom of Bahrain will not participate in it." The ministry emphasized that regional security and stability cannot be achieved through appeasement and called for unrestricted access to Hormuz, free from "discrimination, fees or permits."

Iran's stated intention is to formalize its oversight of the waterway, potentially including the imposition of passage fees. These efforts involve ongoing negotiations with Oman, as the strait falls within Omani territorial waters. The Strait of Hormuz was previously open to all shipping before the recent escalation of conflict involving the United States and Israel.

Bahrain’s statement affirmed its commitment to dialogue but stipulated that it "will not be a party to any collective meeting that includes Iran before the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries." Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016, a move also made by Saudi Arabia at the time, though Riyadh has since restored relations.

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the meeting as "a sign of Iran’s good intention," asserting that regional security should be managed by regional powers without foreign intervention. He indicated that Iran would brief attending delegations on its consultations with Oman concerning safe maritime passage.

Baghaei also noted that Iran views this initiative as a step towards dialogue with neighboring countries, even though their territories or military bases were utilized in attacks against Iran. This stance highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics and mistrust that persist in the region.

The refusal by Bahrain underscores the deep divisions and ongoing security concerns among Gulf nations regarding Iran's regional policies and its actions in critical maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.