Omani analysts: Gulf and maritime security dominate Riyadh-Muscat talks

The Strait of Hormuz and the security of Gulf shipping are expected to dominate talks between Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, according to Omani analysts and writers.

The meeting comes as confrontation between the United States and Iran escalates and risks around the strategic waterway grow. Gulf security, energy-market stability and international shipping have moved to the top of the regional and international agenda, giving the visit unusual weight, the analysts told Asharq Al-Awsat.

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At a critical time, not only for Omani-Saudi relations but also because of the dangerous and rapidly unfolding political and security developments in the region.

They said closer coordination between Riyadh and Muscat could support settlement efforts. Oman brings communication channels with the parties involved in the crisis, while Saudi Arabia has regional and international influence. Together, that combination could support longer-lasting arrangements for maritime security and the broader Gulf security system.

Omani political and strategic affairs writer Mohammed al-Araimi called the timing “critical,” not only for bilateral relations but also because of the region’s “dangerous and rapidly unfolding political and security developments.” He said the two countries’ relationship rests on mutual respect and shared interests, with both sides increasingly recognizing the value of coordination as the region and world change.

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This is a critical stage in which the region needs more consultation and dialogue, not more tension and escalation.

Al-Araimi said the talks would extend beyond bilateral ties and cover political, security and economic issues. The future of Gulf security, shipping and energy flows through Hormuz would feature prominently, he said, along with Oman’s mediation between Washington and Tehran. Muscat’s contacts are aimed at containing the escalation, opening routes for dialogue and building trust between the two sides.

He described navigation through Hormuz as one of the most sensitive issues because it affects global economic security, international trade and energy supplies, not only Oman or the Gulf. “Protecting the strait and ensuring the smooth flow of shipping through it are therefore shared interests of every country in the region and the international community,” he said. Al-Araimi also reiterated Oman’s position that the waterway and the region should not become arenas for confrontation or instruments of political conflict.

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Protecting the strait and ensuring the smooth flow of shipping through it are therefore shared interests of every country in the region and the international community.