Oman, a key host of US-Iran nuclear discussions disrupted by the recent Israel-Iran conflict, has appealed for both nations to resume negotiations. Speaking at the IISS Manama Dialogue conference in Bahrain, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi emphasized the importance of restarting talks between Iran and the United States. Oman, known for its role as a mediator between the two countries, had facilitated five rounds of discussions earlier this year.
However, with just days remaining before the sixth critical round of talks, Israel’s military actions disrupted the process, as noted by Albusaidi. The primary objective of these discussions was to reach a new agreement that would restrict Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for easing sanctions.
The international community, led by Western nations like the United States, has persistently accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim that Iran denies, asserting that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Albusaidi urged fellow Gulf nations to embrace dialogue with Iran and other historical adversaries in the region. He highlighted the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ history of allowing Iran’s isolation and emphasized the need for a shift towards engagement and diplomacy.