Omani Foreign Minister Urges Arab Nations to Revamp Iran Policy for Regional Stability

The recent remarks by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi during the annual “Manama Dialogue” conference underscore the urgency for renewed diplomatic discussions between Iran and the United States. The dialogue, which is vital for regional stability, has the potential to reshape relations in the Middle East.

Addressing a roundtable organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Bahrain, al-Busaidi stated, “We want to see the resumption of talks between Iran and the United States,” as reported by the Avash News website. He highlighted Oman’s pivotal role in facilitating dialogue, having hosted five rounds of discussions between Tehran and Washington earlier this year. However, he lamented that just three days before a potentially pivotal sixth round of talks, Israel initiated a series of aggressive military actions.

Al-Busaidi urged Arab nations in the Persian Gulf to prioritize constructive dialogue with Iran and other key regional players often viewed as rivals. He remarked, “Over the years, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council has contributed to Iran’s isolation, but this trend must change.” His comments reflect a broader call for a shift in regional dynamics.

In his address, the Omani foreign minister emphasized Oman’s historical mediating role in fostering dialogue between Tehran and other countries. He expressed hope for establishing a comprehensive dialogue mechanism involving nations like Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. Al-Busaidi elaborated on the long-standing perception of Iran as a threat following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, attributing this to fears of Iran exporting its revolutionary ideologies and destabilizing neighboring states.

“There was once a belief that isolating and containing Iran was the best solution. But from Oman’s perspective, that was never a real solution,” he stated. Al-Busaidi noted that Iran has recently shown signs of willingness to engage positively, particularly in its relations with Western nations, indicating a desire to be integrated into the regional order.

“Through constructive engagement with its neighbors, Iran can demonstrate that it is not a threat but a committed partner in promoting regional stability and cooperation,” he added. This statement reflects Oman’s vision of a peaceful and collaborative Middle East.

Referencing Iran’s behavior during Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, al-Busaidi remarked, “Iran showed remarkable restraint. We interpreted this as a sign of its readiness for dialogue and supported the idea of a general and comprehensive security framework for the region.” He reflected on the missed opportunities for peace, suggesting that had such a framework been established, conflicts like the 2003 war could have been averted, potentially saving countless lives.

Despite these opportunities for collaboration, al-Busaidi noted that the policy of containment persisted, leading to Iran being treated as a perpetual external threat. “No serious efforts were made to include Iran in regional security discussions,” he lamented. This exclusion has contributed to ongoing tensions in the region.

In a stark reminder of the fragile security environment, al-Busaidi referenced a recent escalation on June 13, when Israel launched an unprovoked attack against Iran. This aggression sparked a 12-day conflict, resulting in the loss of at least 1,064 lives, including military leaders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

The United States also played a controversial role in this conflict, conducting airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, actions that were seen as grave violations of international law. In retaliation, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories and the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, which is the largest American military base in West Asia.

On June 24, Iran successfully executed retaliatory operations against both the Israeli regime and the United States, effectively halting the aggression. Al-Busaidi’s remarks during the “Manama Dialogue” serve as a critical call to action for regional leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and work towards a more stable and cooperative Middle East.

• Oman’s diplomatic efforts have included hosting five rounds of talks between Iran and the U.S.
• Al-Busaidi encourages Gulf Arab states to engage in dialogue with Iran.
• The historical perception of Iran as a threat has hampered constructive engagement.
• Iran’s restraint during the 1990 Iraq invasion is highlighted as a sign of its willingness to dialogue.
• Recent conflicts underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive security framework in the region.

In conclusion, the path to peace in the Middle East requires a shift away from isolationist policies and toward a framework of cooperation and dialogue. The insights from Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi present a hopeful perspective for the future of regional diplomacy.