Oman, a small Gulf nation that has maintained a neutral position for decades while mediating conflicts between the U.S. and Iran, is now facing extensive pressure from the United States. The U.S. is essentially demanding that Oman choose a side, with President Donald Trump even stating that Oman should be "blown out" if it does not comply.
Oman and the U.S. have a relationship that dates back nearly 200 years. The U.S. Department of State records that the two countries mutually recognized each other in 1833, and the first U.S. consulate was established in Muscat, Oman, in 1880. Fox News recently reported that Oman has maintained close security ties with the U.S. while also fostering relations with Iran, positioning itself as a key mediator in the region. Oman has played a role in mediating U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations and has been involved in talks with the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are backed by Iran.
As the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran escalates, Omani officials have rushed to activate informal channels with Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on June 1. The newspaper noted that Oman's steadfast neutrality has been beneficial in reopening Gulf shipping routes during the ceasefire process following the conflict.
However, Oman's neutral stance is beginning to backfire. The Wall Street Journal indicated that the U.S. is increasingly viewing Oman's policy toward Iran as hostile and is pressuring Oman to sever its ties with Iran. Recent announcements from the Iranian government about jointly managing shipping fees in the Hormuz Strait with Oman have fueled these suspicions. Following this, President Trump warned in a press conference that "Oman must act like every other country, or it will be blown away." The Omani government has repeatedly denied any involvement in Iran's plans.
In response to the growing U.S. pressure to choose sides, Oman's Ministry of Information declined to comment. Minister Abdullah Al-Harasi provided a general statement, saying, "Oman is prepared to cooperate with responsible partners, including the U.S., to enhance stability, prevent chaos, and protect shared strategic interests." The Wall Street Journal observed that Oman has been balancing its long-standing alliance with the U.S. and its strong neighbor Iran to maintain peace, but it is losing its standing as a viable partner with both sides. Omani officials are reportedly shocked by the sudden hostile attitude from the U.S.
For Oman, abandoning its neutral stance is not an easy option. Aligning with the U.S. could expose it to missile or drone attacks from Iran, similar to those faced by the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bancen warned last month that sanctions would be imposed if Oman participated in Iran's collection of shipping fees in the Hormuz Strait.
On June 1, as Iran announced a halt to negotiations with the U.S. citing Israel's attacks in Lebanon, Oman is once again stepping into its role as a mediator. U.S. news magazine Newsweek reported on June 1, citing Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, that Iranian and Omani officials are currently negotiating in Tehran regarding the Hormuz Strait. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized that only Iran and Oman have the right to "exercise sovereignty" over the Hormuz Strait and that Oman should not succumb to U.S. threats.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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