Omani FM: Israel, Not Iran, Is Main Source of Regional Insecurity - Salam
As-salamu alaykum - Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi spoke at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain and argued that Israel, rather than Iran, is the main source of instability in the region. He urged Gulf states to open channels with Tehran instead of isolating it.
He said that five rounds of indirect US–Iran nuclear talks hosted by Oman had made good progress until they were disrupted by Israeli action. Just days before the next round in June, Israel struck, which he described as an illegal act that derailed the negotiations. Those talks aimed to agree measures to limit Iran’s nuclear programme, but they broke down when the 12-day war with Israel erupted. The US also carried out strikes on certain Iranian nuclear sites.
Al Busaidi called the attack shameful and said it confirmed what many have long believed: that Israel is the primary source of insecurity in the region. He pointed out that recent hostilities have cost many Iranian civilian lives, and he praised Iran’s measured response in several earlier incidents, including attacks on its diplomatic posts and officials.
He criticised the Gulf Cooperation Council for largely standing aside while Iran was isolated, saying that approach should change now. In a session on securing the Gulf, he recommended that Gulf states engage directly with Iran, as well as with Iraq and Yemen where Iranian influence is strong, to strengthen regional security. He favoured inclusive dialogue and engagement over containment. Oman has often played a mediating role in talks related to the nuclear file and to proxy conflicts such as the Houthis in Yemen.
Al Busaidi also referenced the unprecedented strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar last year, which were seen as an attack on a Gulf state and drew GCC solidarity and condemnation of Israeli actions. He highlighted concerns over settlement expansion and annexation threats in the Palestinian territories, and noted calls from other Gulf ministers that lasting Gulf security depends on the Palestinians achieving their right to a sovereign state.
A fragile ceasefire in Gaza remains in place but faces many challenges, especially around postwar governance and mutual mistrust. The wider shadow conflict between Iran and Israel, and its ripple effects across the Middle East, dominated the discussion - with speakers warning that Gulf security has global implications for energy, technology and lives.
May Allah grant peace and justice to the region and guide leaders toward wise, just solutions. Wa alaykum as-salam.
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