Oman foreign minister says Iran not responsible for ongoing war

Tuesday 24 March 2026 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Oman foreign minister says Iran not responsible for ongoing war

Oman’s foreign minister Badr al Busaidi has stated that Iran is not responsible for the conflict now entering its fourth week, in a rare public stance that underscores divisions within the Gulf and highlights Muscat’s continued role as a diplomatic intermediary.

In a message posted on X, al Busaidi said the war was not initiated by Iran and warned of worsening economic consequences if hostilities continue. He added that Oman is working intensively to establish safe passage arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that typically handles around 20 million barrels of oil per day but has been heavily disrupted since the start of military operations on February 28.

Al Busaidi’s remarks carry weight given his involvement in diplomatic efforts prior to the outbreak of war. He served as a mediator in indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with a final round of talks held in Geneva just hours before the first strikes. He also visited Washington shortly before the conflict began, urging continued diplomacy and indicating that Iran had made concessions during negotiations.

In a recent article, al Busaidi described the war as a major strategic miscalculation and warned that retaliatory actions by Iran against Gulf states hosting US military bases were a predictable outcome of the escalation. His comments reflect frustration from a country that has long positioned itself as a neutral broker in regional disputes.

The stance contrasts sharply with that of other Gulf states. Saudi Arabia has declared that trust with Iran has collapsed, while the United Arab Emirates has signaled readiness to respond militarily and adopted a more critical tone toward regional partners perceived as insufficiently firm toward Tehran.

The conflict has already taken a human toll across the Gulf. Casualties include expatriate workers affected by missile debris and strikes, with dozens reported killed and hundreds injured across member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Iran has launched repeated waves of drones and missiles toward the region, with the United Arab Emirates among the most heavily affected.

Control of the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a central factor shaping the conflict. Hundreds of vessels remain stalled near the waterway as Iran effectively determines which ships can pass. Reports indicate that some vessels have paid substantial sums to secure safe transit.

The United States has issued ultimatums demanding the reopening of the strait, warning of potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure. Iran has responded by threatening to fully close the passage and target energy and desalination facilities across the Gulf.

With casualties continuing to rise and economic disruption intensifying, Oman’s position reflects a call for de escalation amid a rapidly deteriorating regional situation.