Oman Foreign Minister: US-Israel War Against Iran Not Tehran's Fault

Foreign Minister of Oman, Badr al-Busaidi, issued a sharp diplomatic statement regarding the military escalation in the Middle East. Known as the architect of negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran, he emphasised that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not responsible for the outbreak of the war initiated by the US and Israel on 28 February.

“Whatever your view of Iran, this war is not of their making,” al-Busaidi wrote on his official X social media account on Monday (23/3).

This statement marks a stark shift in stance compared to other Gulf countries. The region is currently facing severe economic pressures due to disruptions in the energy supply chain. Al-Busaidi stated that Oman is working intensively to ensure safe passage arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz to mitigate the worsening global economic impacts.

Al-Busaidi, who usually maintains a low profile, has now become more vocal. Just 24 hours before the war broke out, he flew to Washington to plead for the continuation of diplomatic channels. According to him, Iran has actually made significant concessions during the negotiation process.

However, field reports indicate technical obstacles in that mediation. The US mediator side reportedly did not include technical experts in the talks, resulting in a lack of understanding of the substantive offers on the negotiating table.

In his article in The Economist last week, al-Busaidi described Iran’s retaliatory actions against US assets as an “inevitable though deeply regrettable” consequence. He assessed that Iran’s leadership is in a difficult position when facing a war designed to end the existence of the Islamic Republic.

The situation is increasingly complex for member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Saudi Arabia, for example, is in a difficult position between the desire to maintain improving relations with Tehran and heavy pressure from Washington to join the offensive attacks.

To date, the conflict has claimed significant lives. More than 2,000 Iranian citizens have been reported dead, along with 13 Americans and dozens of Israelis. In the Gulf region, 25 people have been reported dead, mostly expatriates hit by missile fragments from aerial interceptions.

Al-Busaidi concluded his statement with a stern warning to Washington. “I urge the United States not to get dragged in further. This is not your war,” he emphasised. (MEE)