Omani and US Foreign Ministers Discuss Creating Conditions to Continue Diplomatic Efforts

Washington – Agencies: Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi and his US counterpart Marco Rubio discussed yesterday the latest regional developments and the rapid changes unfolding in the region, exchanging views on efforts to de-escalate tensions and contain their repercussions. The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that the discussion took place during a phone call received by Al Busaidi from Rubio, during which they explored ways to create conditions for continuing diplomatic efforts and addressing outstanding issues to support the region’s security and stability, in addition to discussing several regional files and matters of mutual interest.

Meanwhile, Omani authorities announced yesterday the towing of an oil tanker to one of the Sultanate’s ports after a fire that broke out on board following a previous attack was extinguished, with search operations continuing for two crew members. The Maritime Security Center stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that it is monitoring the movement of the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker ELGAIA to an Omani port after a fire in its engine room was put out following the vessel being targeted, approximately 1.3 nautical miles northeast of Musandam Governorate.

For his part, Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi, Director of the Media and Communications Department at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed Qatar’s support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring freedom of maritime navigation, emphasizing the importance of reaching a comprehensive agreement that achieves sustainable peace in the region. During the weekly press briefing at the Qatari Foreign Ministry yesterday, Al Hashmi stated that “Qatar supports reaching an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz,” stressing that the priority at the current stage lies in achieving consensus among all parties to find a solution to this crisis. He underscored that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for all countries worldwide, affirming that Qatar is tirelessly working with its regional and international partners to reach a consensus on this matter, as well as to advance dialogue toward a comprehensive resolution to this dilemma.

The Director of the Media and Communications Department at the Qatari Foreign Ministry reiterated that closing sea and waterways should not become a routine occurrence, nor should it be acceptable to Qatar or the international community, calling on the entire world to unite against any measures that disrupt freedom of navigation. He said, “The world has suffered enough from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and therefore cannot bear the cost of also closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait,” warning that disrupting navigation in both straits would have catastrophic consequences for the world.