Gulf State Will Not Normalise Relations with Israel and Refuses to Join Peace Council

MUSCAT — Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi affirmed on Wednesday, 12 March 2026, that his country will not normalise relations with Israel and will not join the Peace Council.

He emphasised that the current conflict is designed to weaken Iran and reshape the region, promote normalisation, and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

He also predicted the conflict will end soon, but stressed the need to prepare for worst-case scenarios.

In a meeting with editors of local newspapers, as reported by Al Jazeera on Thursday, 12 March 2026, Al-Busaidi stated that the Sultanate of Oman will not join the Peace Council and will not normalise relations with Israel.

He reaffirmed his country’s steadfast position on regional issues, according to Oman newspaper reports.

Regarding his assessment of the background to the American-Israeli conflict with Iran, Al-Busaidi argued that the true objective of the conflict extends beyond nuclear matters to weakening Iran, reshaping the region, promoting normalisation, preventing Palestinian statehood, and undermining all parties supporting that agenda.

Targeting the Region

The Omani minister pointed to a broader plan targeting the region, clarifying that Iran is not the sole target.