Latest news with #Al-Araimi
Shafaq News
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Oman reinforces role as key mediator in US-Iran nuclear talks, Analyst says
Shafaq News – Muscat Oman continues to play a discreet yet influential role in complex regional affairs, particularly the Iranian nuclear file, political analyst and Gulf affairs specialist Mohammed al-Araimi told Shafaq News on Wednesday. Al-Araimi pointed out that Muscat's role in facilitating secret talks between Tehran and Washington in 2013 — which led to the 2015 nuclear deal — was not an exception but part of a long-standing strategy in Omani foreign policy. 'The return of tensions between Iran and the West has reactivated Oman's role, reaffirming its status as a trusted mediator capable of breaking political deadlock,' al-Araimi said. Al-Araimi noted that Oman's foreign policy is rooted in respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and rejection of polarization, allowing it to provide a rare neutral platform for dialogue in a region often shaped by rival blocs. Asked about the potential expansion of Oman's role into broader Gulf security arrangements, he said the Sultanate possesses the capacity to contribute, especially as maritime security, energy flows, and non-traditional threats grow more pressing. However, 'success would depend on regional openness and international consensus, and could face resistance from actors who view such initiatives as threats to their influence.' On the current state of Oman's diplomacy, al-Araimi observed that both Washington and Tehran approach Muscat with cautious flexibility. 'Iran sees Oman as a credible backchannel, while the US views it as a capable diplomatic partner — especially with direct communication channels largely closed,' he explained. Still, he cautioned that Oman's success depends on complex domestic and foreign factors, including US political calculations, internal pressure in Iran, and Israel's position. Oman has hosted multiple rounds of indirect talks between the US and Iran in recent months. A sixth round was reportedly scheduled but canceled following the outbreak of the Iran–Israel conflict.
Shafaq News
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Key issues unpacked: What the US and Iran discussed in Oman
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, details emerged regarding the ongoing indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, hosted in Oman. In an interview with Shafaq News, political analyst and Gulf affairs specialist Mohammed al-Araimi explained that the discussions centred on reviving diplomacy over Iran's nuclear program, securing maritime routes in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as easing tensions in regional conflicts, particularly in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Although no official results have been released, diplomatic sources suggest that both sides are interested in easing tensions and possibly drafting a broader agreement in the future. Al-Araimi pointed out that the Yemen conflict, especially the role of the Houthi movement, is expected to become a major topic of discussion. 'The US has expressed growing concern over Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, while Iran maintains significant influence over the group,' he explained. Al-Araimi also observed that the US is open to resuming dialogue but faces political constraints due to the priorities and actions of President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Iran seeks to mitigate the effects of US sanctions while maintaining its regional influence, including its connections to the Houthis. Oman continues to play a crucial role in offering a platform for dialogue in a region facing significant political and security challenges, he emphasized, adding, 'With ongoing US-Iran tensions and the prolonged Yemen conflict, Oman's ability to manage complex issues and foster dialogue positions it as a key diplomatic player.'
