Bahrain Rejects Iran Talks Over Diplomatic Rift

MANAMA: Bahrain said it will not join Monday’s Iran-Gulf meeting in Oman until diplomatic relations with Tehran are restored. A senior Iranian official said the talks are unlikely to produce a signed agreement, though the Strait of Hormuz will be discussed. Bahrain urged the waterway remain open without fees or restrictions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the region does not need the United States to act as its “policeman”.