Wednesday 11 / June / 2025
In a region often defined by volatility, ideological divides, and protracted conflicts, Oman has emerged as a steady and principled force for dialogue and reconciliation.
While global superpowers engage in power struggles and regional actors entrench themselves in zero-sum rivalries, Oman has quietly carved out a niche as one of the Middle East’s most consistent and reliable mediators.
Its latest efforts in facilitating indirect talks between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme once again underscore Muscat’s indispensable role in preserving regional stability.
Unlike global powers such as the United States or Russia, which can afford to disengage from the region at will, Oman does not have that luxury. Geography binds it to the fate of the Middle East. For Muscat, peace is not just a diplomatic preference—it is a national security necessity. Oman does not welcome instability or adventurous activities in its neighbourhood; it seeks continuity, dialogue, and de-escalation.
Oman’s commitment to peace is hardly new. During the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, when most Gulf states chose sides, Oman held firm in its neutrality. That stance was not one of passivity, but of foresight. It enabled Muscat to quietly facilitate backchannel communications between Tehran and Baghdad, laying the groundwork for future engagement.
This pragmatic doctrine has been a throughline of Omani foreign policy.
More recently, in the Yemen conflict, Oman opted out of any regional power coalition’s military campaign. Instead, it pursued diplomacy—mediating between warring factions, brokering prisoner exchanges, and hosting discreet talks.
For Oman, indeed in real life, there are no winners in war, only shared consequences. Oman does not pick and choose sides, nor does it seek to undermine or confront any country in the region.
Today, that same approach is once again at play in Oman’s mediation between Iran and the United States. Following the Trump administration’s 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), bilateral relations quickly deteriorated. Sanctions followed. Escalations mounted. At several points, Washington and Tehran stood on the brink of open conflict.
Fast forward to 2025, and Oman is once again quietly building diplomatic bridges. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Muscat this week underscores Oman’s unique role in efforts to re-energise nuclear talks. Acting as an intermediary, Oman has helped orchestrate indirect negotiations in both Muscat and Rome—passing messages, conveying proposals, and narrowing gaps.
These talks are anything but easy. Iran maintains its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, while Washington insists on stringent limits to prevent a potential pathway to weaponisation. Yet Oman persists. Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi and his diplomatic team remain focused on keeping dialogue alive, however incremental, because they believe sustained engagement is better than dangerous silence.
What makes Oman a uniquely trusted mediator?
First, Oman maintains cordial and balanced relations with virtually all sides. It is one of the few Gulf countries that enjoys trust in both Washington and Tehran without appearing compromised or biased.
Oman does not believe in getting entangled in historical rivalries or ideological confrontations—it simply refuses to participate in them.
Second, Oman’s diplomacy is discreet, methodical, and deliberately low-profile. It does not seek credit, nor does it engage in loud posturing. This discretion has won it rare levels of trust—even among the most secretive regimes. Few knew that Oman hosted the backchannel talks that ultimately led to the 2015 nuclear deal until long after they had concluded.
Third, Oman’s neutrality is not performative; it is principled. It does not push ideological agendas or exploit conflicts for geopolitical advantage. Rather, its focus is on de-escalation and sustainable outcomes. Oman does not confront or undermine other countries—it seeks solutions, not scapegoats.
This principled diplomacy reflects Muscat’s broader worldview. Oman clearly sees the emerging global order as one in which pragmatism, restraint, and realism matter more than ideological allegiance or historical grievance. The country’s quiet but firm commitment to peace is a rejection of the maximalism that has defined so much of Middle Eastern politics.
The belief that only superpowers can resolve complex global issues is outdated. Smaller, nimble states—like Norway, Switzerland, Qatar, and Singapore—have proven otherwise. Oman belongs in this league of quiet influencers. Its methods resemble those of a seasoned diplomat: listening more than speaking, prioritizing substance over symbolism, and acting with discretion over drama. That said, Muscat’s path is not without challenges. Mediating between the U.S. and Iran at a time of hardened positions is fraught with risk. The standoff over uranium enrichment remains a serious hurdle, and Oman must navigate this terrain carefully.
Moreover, skepticism from regional actors like Israel and Saudi Arabia adds another layer of complexity. Some view Muscat’s engagement with Tehran warily. But Oman has never sought to isolate or antagonize its neighbours. Its message is consistent: it will not join military blocs, stoke tensions, or align itself with hardline agendas.
At a time when diplomacy is often transactional and strategic patience is in short supply, Oman offers a compelling counter-narrative. It mediates not for prestige, but for peace. It does not flaunt its influence, but exercises it quietly, consistently, and purposefully.
Oman’s initiatives deserve to be respected and well positioned in the broader regional discourse—particularly at a time when antagonistic, imperialist, and interventionist agendas are no longer valid nor productive in shaping the future of the Middle East. The region no longer rewards coercion and confrontation; it increasingly requires dialogue, trust-building, and restraint.
Oman’s role as a diplomatic bridge is not self-appointed—it is earned, through years of principled engagement and quiet perseverance. In a region too often shaped by noise and confrontation, Muscat reminds the world that peace is still possible—and that sometimes, the most powerful voices are the ones that speak the least.
Bilal Bilici is a Member of the Turkish Parliament, representing Adana province.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer, Bilal Bilici and do not reflect the opinion of Times of Oman.
