US pushing Oman to break ties with Iran, sees neutrality as threat - report

The United States is actively pressuring Oman to break its diplomatic and economic ties with Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing American and Arab officials. Washington increasingly perceives Muscat's policy of neutrality toward the Islamic Republic as a threat, prompting demands for Oman to choose sides.

Arab officials revealed that Oman, which has played a key role in mediating recent talks between the US and Iran, was taken aback by the sudden US pressure. The Omani government is currently working on a response to Washington's demands. The Omani Information Ministry declined to comment directly on the matter when approached by the WSJ.

Omani Information Minister Abdulla Al-Harrasi stated that Oman is prepared to collaborate with the United States and other partners to foster stability, deter disruption, and protect shared strategic interests. He emphasized Oman's commitment to maintaining open communication channels in a volatile region to prevent tensions from escalating into conflict.

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Oman stands ready to work with the United States and all responsible partners to promote stability, deter disruption, and safeguard our shared strategic interests.

The report noted that Oman's back-channel communications with Tehran have previously facilitated the reopening of flight corridors in the Gulf during Iran's conflict with the US. Despite Iran targeting Omani ports with drones, Oman did not directly condemn Tehran, adhering to its diplomatic tradition of seeking to end hostilities. Oman also granted the US limited use of territory for military logistics during the war.

US officials indicated that the Trump administration grew distrustful of Oman after its Foreign Minister suggested a nuclear agreement between the US and Iran was "within our reach." This statement contrasted with the administration's stance that Iran had not made sufficient concessions. The report also referenced a past threat from then-President Donald Trump to bomb Oman if it participated in Iran's planned tolling of the Strait of Hormuz, an accusation Muscat denies. Experts suggest such threats highlight perceptions in some American circles that Oman is sympathetic to Iran, challenging the country's long-held pride in its impartial foreign policy.

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In a volatile region, responsible leadership means keeping channels of communication open and preventing tensions from escalating into conflict.