Bahrain issues ultimatum to Iran

Bahrain has refused to participate in negotiations with Iran regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, conditioning talks on the restoration of diplomatic relations. A meeting of Gulf states' ministers is scheduled for September 14 in Oman. Iran has confirmed its participation. The conflict between the countries has been ongoing since 2016.

Bahrain has issued an ultimatum to Iran, refusing to take part in security negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz. Manama stated it will not attend the meeting of Gulf states' ministers, scheduled for September 14 in Oman, if Iran is present. Bahrain set the restoration of diplomatic relations, severed in 2016, as a condition for any collective talks. The position was officially announced by the kingdom's Foreign Ministry, which notified Oman in advance. Iran, unlike Bahrain, has confirmed its participation. The key topic of the meeting is the safety of navigation in the strait. The conflict between the countries escalated after the war between the US, Israel, and Iran began in February; Bahrain has reported missile and drone attacks from Iran.