Iran publicly thanked Oman for its diplomatic efforts in de-escalating tensions in the Red Sea region, particularly helping prevent U.S. strikes on Yemen targets that had been planned.
At a press briefing held in Tehran on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani praised Oman for playing an “effective and impartial” role in recent negotiations intended to defuse tensions between the United States and Yemen’s Houthi movement, which Iran supports politically.
“We recognize and commend Oman for its responsible and effective diplomacy, which played a pivotal role in preventing an imminent military conflict,” Kanaani stated. “Oman once more demonstrated its dedication to peace and regional stability.”
According to diplomatic sources cited by regional media outlets, Oman has recently served as an intermediary in indirect talks between Washington and Houthi representatives over recent weeks, following an increase in tensions sparked by drone and missile attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea that the U.S. blames on Houthi militants.
Reports indicate that the Pentagon had prepared plans for retaliatory strikes against Houthi-controlled facilities in northern Yemen but suspended operations amid Omani-led negotiations. While Washington has not confirmed details of these failed strikes, senior U.S. official acknowledged Oman had helped open communication channels between parties involved to reduce hostilities.
Iran has consistently denied arming the Houthis directly; instead it defends their right to resist foreign intervention in Yemen. Iran also regularly praises Oman as an intermediary in Gulf disputes and promotes Muscat’s participation in regional crisis management.
Oman, with borders to both Saudi Arabia and Yemen, has long served as a peaceful intermediary in the Gulf region. Oman hosted early talks between Iran and the U.S. that led up to their 2015 nuclear deal agreement.
An anonymous senior Omani official speaking to Gulf News confirmed Muscat’s ongoing engagement with all parties involved in Yemen conflict, stressing that their goal remains “a sustainable ceasefire and return to political dialogue.”
Yemen remains in a precarious position, with intermittent violence continuing despite a UN-brokered ceasefire that largely held since 2022. Houthi fighters remain in control of much of northern Yemen including its capital Sanaa; clashes have broken out between Houthis forces and both Saudi-led coalition forces as well as local rivals.
Iran’s recent remarks can be understood as part of its larger push toward regional diplomacy over military confrontation, especially as tensions between Tehran and Washington persist across multiple fronts, including maritime security and nuclear compliance issues.
As regional powers seek ways to avoid wider conflict, Oman’s role as an intermediary could become increasingly critical in maintaining dialogue where direct diplomacy has failed.