Kathmandu: Pressure is reportedly mounting on Oman, which has maintained a neutral stance during the US-Iran conflict, to choose between the United States and Iran. This development was highlighted in a report published by the American newspaper, The Wall Street Journal. Citing US and Arab officials, the report states that Washington is now explicitly pressuring Oman to declare its support for one side and sever its diplomatic ties with Iran.
In recent days, US President Donald Trump issued warnings to Oman, threatening economic sanctions and even potential military strikes if necessary. These warnings reportedly followed intelligence claims that Iran and Oman were discussing a joint plan to collect transit fees from ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The report analyzes that Oman’s traditional policy of maintaining a delicate balance between the United States and Iran is becoming increasingly complicated by the day. If Oman openly aligns with the United States, it risks facing retaliatory actions from Iran, similar to those experienced by other Gulf nations during the conflict.
Oman’s approach toward Iran has drawn criticism not only from the United States but also from its key regional partners, such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. They hold the view that Muscat maintains an excessively close relationship with Tehran. According to Arab officials, Oman has repeatedly declined to sign joint statements issued by the US and other nations that condemned Iranian attacks.
Furthermore, officials noted that even after drone attacks occurred at Omani ports, the sultanate refrained from publicly blaming Iran, refusing to comment beyond merely confirming that the incidents took place. Throughout the conflict, Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said was the only Gulf leader to congratulate Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following the death of his predecessor, Ali Khamenei.
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