Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani stated that diplomatic relations with Iran must be restored before Bahrain participates in any ministerial meetings with the country. Addressing the requirements for engagement, Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani said, "We need to have mutual respect, respect sovereignty, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries."
Regarding regional security, Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani noted, "We had an invitation to hold a collective meeting with Iran and other GCC state members to talk about the Strait of Hormuz situation, but Bahrain’s position is clear that freedom of navigation is a key principle in our foreign ministry policies." He further stated, "They were heinous and unjustifiable attacks that targeted economic infrastructures and civilians with so many casualties."
Demands for Regional Security
Bahrain demands that the Strait of Hormuz return to normal operations by 28 February. The government requires that these maritime activities proceed without the imposition of tariffs. Officials also specify that the waterway must function without any individual management. These conditions reflect the official position regarding regional security and the protection of international transit routes. Bahraini authorities maintain that these requirements are essential for stability within the area. The timeline and operational standards provided serve as the basis for the country's expectations concerning the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
Escalation of Regional Attacks
GCC secretary-general Jasem Al Budaiwi reported that since 28 February, GCC member states have faced attacks involving more than 7,000 ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Regarding the nature of these incidents, Jasem Al Budaiwi stated, "These aggressions were not limited to direct Iranian strikes, but extended to include attacks by the terrorist Houthi militia, which escalated its assaults on Saudi Arabia by targeting airports, civilian objects and energy facilities."
One specific incident occurred on 10 October, when a Houthi attack targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This strike resulted in the death of 12 people and left more than 300 others injured.
Domestic security concerns in Bahrain also remain linked to these regional hostilities. In March, an Iranian attack on a building in the Seef District resulted in the death of Sara Dashti, a 29-year-old Bahraini.
Amid these security developments, economic ties involving the GCC continue to be documented. Records indicate that GCC-Russia trade totaled approximately $19 billion.