Oman minister says Hormuz disruptions likely short-term; Bahrain refuses Iran meetings

Oman's energy minister said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen and current disruptions are likely short-term, while Bahrain ruled out joining any meeting that includes Iran.

• Oman's Energy Minister Salim al-Aufi said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen and the current disruptions are likely short-term, with the situation expected to stabilize in the medium term.
• Al-Aufi said the sharp rise in oil and LNG prices is not sustainable and called for diversifying export routes through Oman or Yemen.
• Bahrain's Foreign Ministry said the kingdom will not participate in any meeting including Iran until diplomatic relations are restored, a position already communicated to Oman.
• Ship tracking data showed cargo transits through the Strait of Hormuz fell to single digits daily at the start of the week, below the 10-day average of 14.
• At the Gastech conference in Bangkok, al-Aufi proposed a northern route in addition to routes through Oman or Yemen for diversifying gas exports.