Latest news with #Muscat-based
Shafaq News
24-05-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Nuclear talks fizzle: Iran-US hopes fade
Shafaq News/ Hopes for a breakthrough in the ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the United States appear to be fading, as momentum from earlier rounds has cooled and the latest session ended with only modest progress. While some diplomats speak of cautious optimism, Iranian officials and analysts are expressing growing frustration, pointing to what they see as Washington's increasingly rigid demands. The fifth round of indirect negotiations, hosted by Oman at its embassy in Rome, wrapped up on Friday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the meeting as 'the most professional,' highlighting a 'clearer understanding from the American side of the Iranian position.' Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, acknowledged progress, though he stopped short of calling it decisive. A date for the next round has yet to be announced. These Muscat-based talks—conducted through intermediaries—have emerged as one of the last surviving diplomatic backchannels between Tehran and Washington. Their importance has only grown since the collapse of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the landmark agreement that once placed strict limits on Iran's nuclear activity. That deal, signed under President Barack Obama, imposed a cap of 3.67% on uranium enrichment and limited Iran's stockpile to 300 kilograms. But following the US withdrawal under President Donald Trump in 2018, Iran has ramped up its enrichment levels to 60%—dangerously close to weapons-grade. Fading Hope Inside Iran, there is a growing sense that the talks are drifting off course. Saeed Sharoudi, a Tehran-based expert on Iranian affairs, noted a clear shift in the mood of Iran's negotiating team. 'The enthusiasm we saw in the early rounds has worn off,' Sharoudi explained to Shafaq News, adding that the team feels Washington's stance contradicts earlier claims of readiness for a fair deal that would lift sanctions. That shift, according to Sharoudi, is rooted in Washington's continued imposition of new sanctions during the negotiations. 'The United States, it seems, wants a one-sided agreement,' he remarked, where Iran halts its nuclear activity while sanctions remain untouched. More than 1,500 US sanctions have been reimposed on Iran since 2018, targeting banking, shipping, and the energy sector. The pressure caused Iran's economy to contract sharply, shrinking by over 6% immediately after the US exit from the JCPOA. Although there was some recovery in 2023 due to deepening trade ties with China and Russia, Iran's access to global financial markets remains limited, fueling domestic discontent. Sharoudi added that Washington's position appears aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear ambitions altogether. 'The demand to reduce uranium enrichment to zero is something Tehran cannot agree to,' he explained. For Iran, such a step would incapacitate its nuclear infrastructure. 'Without enriched uranium, the facilities would effectively shut down,' he said, warning that the consequences would be far-reaching. There is growing skepticism within the Iranian political class that the US genuinely wants a solution. 'Iran is beginning to understand that the US is not genuinely seeking a solution to the nuclear file,' Sharoudi observed. Instead, he believes Washington's promises to lift sanctions and welcome Western companies mask deeper intentions to undermine the entire program. Race Against Time Across the Atlantic, time is shaping up to be a critical factor, especially for the White House. Haitham al-Hiti, Professor of Political Science at the University of Exeter in the UK, believes the clock is ticking more loudly in Washington than in Tehran. 'The timing will settle everything,' he remarked to Shafaq News, noting that the US administration is working on a faster timeline than Iran's. For President Donald Trump, speed is of the essence. 'Trump does not want two years of his administration to pass without resolving these issues,' al-Hiti said, pointing to the pressure of looming elections. 'Failure to reach a deal could weaken Trump in Congress and limit his ability to make major decisions,' he added. 'He's unlikely to let a full year go by without taking decisive steps.' With Republicans currently holding the House and Democrats maintaining a narrow edge in the Senate, the midterm elections in November 2026 could dramatically shift power dynamics. Trump, who returned to office in January 2025, has made a new Iran deal one of his foreign policy priorities—but divisions within his administration over how far to go remain unresolved. That sense of urgency, al-Hiti noted, is something Tehran is trying to exploit. 'The Iranians are playing on this matter,' he said. 'They give promises, delay responses, and try to stretch the talks over two years, hoping the Democrats will return to Congress and the Senate, weakening Trump's hand.' Two rounds left? Aqil Abbas, an expert in US political affairs, pointed to a narrowing window for action. 'Trump spoke of a negotiation ceiling of about two months,' Abbas mentioned in comments to Shafaq News. 'I believe there may be only two sessions remaining before a decision must be made.' Abbas contrasted this approach with past strategies. 'Trump and the Europeans want to avoid the drawn-out process of previous talks, which lasted nearly a year and a half without results,' he explained. Europe appears aligned with Trump's push for a faster resolution. A recent EU statement urged an 'urgent restoration of full JCPOA compliance' while recognizing that 'adaptations may be required in light of new realities.' The US president, Abbas noted, is seeking to secure a result quickly, leaving time to measure its effectiveness. 'An agreement is expected. What remains is the form in which it will be presented.' Concessions on the table While both sides remain tight-lipped about specifics, Abbas predicted that any deal will likely depend on Iranian compromises, especially on uranium enrichment. 'The agreement will likely involve major Iranian concessions on enrichment,' he assessed. In exchange, the US may offer broad economic relief—possibly a full lifting of sanctions. He emphasized the stakes: both sides, he believes, are trying to avoid conflict. 'The most important thing is that both sides steer clear of military options or war. And that is a positive outcome.'
Observer
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Confidence takes Center Stage at Oman's School of Confidence Event
A wave of enthusiasm and confidence swept through Hotel Muscat Holiday on Saturday as the School of Confidence (SOCO), Oman, hosted its 3rd Annual Speech and Drama Competition. The full-day event showcased nearly 200 solo performances, spanning speeches, stories, monologues, and comedy acts, with a large and supportive audience cheering every participant. Students of all ages, from young children to teenagers, took the stage, demonstrating impressive stage presence and speaking skills. A highlight was a humorous skit, 'Welcome to the SOCO Gala,' where Bollywood, Hollywood, and Tollywood personalities debated 'Confidence over Language,' eliciting laughter and applause. Parents expressed their amazement at their children's transformations. One shared, 'We had never heard our child speak with such confidence at home.' Another heartfelt comment came from a parent whose daughter moved from stage fright to becoming an award-winning speaker, calling it 'a truly transformative experience.' Some parents praised SOCO for nurturing their children's talents, noting the growth under the guidance of founder Shadaf Bhamla. Every participant received recognition, with certificates and gold medals honoring their courage. About 75 students went home with trophies for exceptional performances and poise on stage, celebrating their hard work and confidence building. Shadaf Bhamla, SOCO's founder and director, addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of resilience and effort over superficial praise. 'When we recognize effort and improvement, we help children develop genuine confidence rooted in achievement,' she stated. The event was judged by a panel of experienced educators and mentors, including Rachana Somayajula and Fariha Abbas, who praised the talent and professionalism on display. Guests also included Muscat-based bloggers and influencers such as Sherin Siddiqui, Afra Afsal, and the duo Vibitha and Sudheesh, who expressed admiration for the students' confidence and expression. Overall, the event celebrated the remarkable growth and potential of young speakers, inspiring a new generation of confident individuals.
Times of Oman
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
Seeb crowned champions
MUSCAT: Seeb Club sealed their dominance in the 2024–25 Omantel Professional League (OPL) by clinching the title with a match to spare, following a gritty 1-0 victory over 10-man Al Rustaq on Saturday night at the Al Rustaq Sports Complex. Coached by Serbia's Nikola Djurovic, the win handed Seeb their fourth top-flight domestic crown and confirmed their status as Oman's premier football force this season. The decisive moment for Seeb came in the 35th minute when Liberian striker Abu Kamara rose highest to head home from a corner, sealing all three points for the Muscat-based club. Al Rustaq's hopes were dented further when goalkeeper Islam Al Hinai was sent off just before halftime. Despite a spirited effort with ten men, Rustaq could not find an equaliser. The victory pushed Seeb six points clear of nearest rivals Al Nahda with just one round remaining, rendering the final day of action academic in the title race. Seeb will now host Al Nasr at the Seeb Sports Stadium on May 8 in what promises to be a celebratory home fixture capped with the official title presentation in front of their fans. A season of character and class Seeb's championship campaign was defined by consistency and resilience. The Yellow and Green Brigade racked up 16 wins from 21 matches, with just three defeats and two draws. Two of those losses came in back-to-back games last month against Sohar and Oman Club, raising alarm bells among their supporters. However, the team bounced back in emphatic fashion to retain the title. The league triumph was especially sweet for Seeb after the heartbreak of losing the His Majesty's Cup final to Al Shabab in February. That setback became a rallying point, with the team regrouping to mount an unshakable title charge. Saturday's triumph marks Seeb's fourth Omantel League title, adding to previous wins in 2019–20, 2021–22, and 2023–24. With four crowns, Seeb are now on par with Al Nahda, Al Arouba, and Al Suwaiq in terms of title count, still trailing traditional powerhouses Dhofar (12 titles) and Fanja (9). Battle for top-four While Seeb and Al Nahda (44 points) have locked up first and second place respectively, Oman Club (39) are secure in third. The battle for the fourth spot remains fierce between Al Shabab and Al Khabourah (28 points each), Al Nasr (27), Saham (26), and Bahla (25). At the other end of the table, Sur's 3-3 draw against Al Shabab sealed their relegation on Saturday, as they sit bottom with 18 points and no mathematical route to safety. Elsewhere on Saturday, Al Khabourah defeated Al Nasr 2-1. Amir Alaa and Zakaria Al Qartubi struck in quick succession in the second half to secure a vital win for Al Khabourah. Marwan Taib pulled one back from the spot, but Al Nasr's search for an equaliser fell short. Also, goals from Baba Tunde (penalty) and Marwan Al Ghafri gave Saham a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Sohar. And in a thriller that sealed their fate, Sur failed to hold on to a lead despite goals from Mana Sbeit, Mohammed Al Najashi, and Abdullah Al Mashaikhi. A hat-trick from Al Shabab's Mohammed Al Ghafri denied Sur the win, ensuring their relegation. A goalless draw ensured Al Nahda's second-place finish and kept Bahla in contention for a top-five finish.
Muscat Daily
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Muscat book fair blends talent, tech and tradition
Muscat – The 29th Muscat International Book Fair is proving to be more than a celebration of books, drawing large crowds with a mix of literature, heritage and emerging technologies. Hosting over 600 exhibitors from across the world, the fair runs daily from 10am to 10pm until May 3, offering a broad selection of titles in multiple languages and genres. AI draws young visitors A key attraction this year is 'Fatima', an AI-powered assistant launched by Ministry of Education. One of six similar agents, Fatima is designed to assist visitors with information and directions. 'Fatima is fast, friendly and helpful. She's especially useful for students trying to locate specific genres or publications,' said a ministry official. 'We've seen young visitors approach Fatima with excitement – it's sparking curiosity about both books and technology.' Bahrain-based writer Idris Meris Collectors seek second-hand treasures The second-hand books section is attracting bibliophiles in search of rare editions on culture and history. Despite higher prices, many titles are selling out quickly. 'These books carry the soul of the past. Collectors know their worth, and for many, it's not about price – it's about preserving knowledge,' said veteran Bahrain-based writer and bookseller Idris Meris, 75. Children's content boosted by Ayn Platform The fair also saw the launch of a new children's channel by the popular Ayn Platform, offering more than 8,000 multimedia resources. The platform now has over 65,000 audio and video recordings, including archival content from the 1970s. 'This launch is a milestone,' said Ahlam al Balushi from the Ministry of Information. 'It promotes reading and learning in an engaging, multimedia format for our children.' New voices from the region Emerging writers are also in the spotlight. Pakistani sisters Zunaira and Aysal Waheed have both made a mark at the fair. Muscat-based Aysal, 15, is the author of eight books available on Amazon. Zunaira, a student at University of Nottingham, is an author and motivational speaker. Their featured titles include The Balhaerian Prince, Through the Portal, Alejandra Plays Soccer and Nobody Told You This Before , showcasing a range of genres from fantasy to inspirational writing. Aysal Waheed Cultural and economic impact Fuad al Bulushi, Director of Sales at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), which hosts the fair, said the event plays a vital role in promoting knowledge and culture. 'Hosting Muscat International Book Fair is a great honour for OCEC, as it underscores the centre's pivotal role in promoting knowledge exchange and cultural engagement,' he said. 'The 2024 edition contributed over RO1mn to the local economy. In 2025, with 674 publishers from 35 countries, similar benefits are anticipated.' He added that with integrated hotels, modern exhibition halls and a professional events team, OCEC can accommodate the fair's high footfall – over 400,000 visitors in ten days – while positioning Oman as a hub for cultural dialogue in the region.
Muscat Daily
12-04-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Power of growth mindset in young learners
By Batul Saifee, Muscat-based educator Every parent wants their child to surpass them, not just in achievements but in confidence, curiosity and persistence. They celebrate successes, wipe away tears of defeat and encourage their young ones to strive for more. In a world where social media glorifies success stories, parents today are often left wondering: What are they actually to do? Should they push their children to work harder or shield them from distractions? With learning inevitably tied to digital technology, from virtual classrooms to unlimited online resources, there's no simple solution. The real challenge isn't about limiting access but about shaping the right mindset to navigate it. The secret ingredient to long-term success isn't intelligence or talent but something far more powerful – a growth mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, learning and perseverance. Think of giving your child a key, not to material riches, but to resilience, curiosity and the courage to embrace challenges. In a society that constantly ranks and compares, children may feel pressured to be the best or risk feeling inadequate. Here is where we step in, guiding them to see success as progress, not perfection, that abilities aren't fixed but can be developed, and dreams aren't borrowed but built by their own minds. One of the most valuable lessons we can teach them is that they don't have to excel at everything. Instead, they should recognise their unique strengths and areas for growth. A child who struggles with math but writes beautifully isn't 'bad at school', they're a storyteller in the making. A young athlete who finds reading difficult isn't 'weak' but a powerhouse of physical skill and strategy. When children see themselves as learners rather than labelling themselves as 'good' or 'bad' at something, they develop confidence and adaptability to overcome all hurdles. Language plays a crucial role in shaping mindset. Avoid limiting phrases like 'If only I had' or 'I wish I could' and replace them with growth-oriented affirmations such as 'I am learning to' or 'I am on track to' shifting focus from doubt to possibility. Similarly, how we praise children impacts their self-perception. Instead of saying, 'You are so smart,' say, 'I am proud of how hard you worked!' This reinforces persistence rather than innate ability, teaching them that effort is what leads to mastery. A child with a growth mindset doesn't just learn to read, write or solve equations; they learn to live. They become self-aware, confident in their abilities and unafraid of challenges. Most importantly, they understand that success isn't about following someone else's path but creating their own. The goal isn't to raise children who chase perfection but those who embrace growth, resilience and lifelong learning. That is the true key to success. The growth mindset isn't just a concept, it's a way of life that empowers children to thrive. So, start today!
