Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi delivered remarks on Monday proposing a comprehensive security arrangement for the Middle East that would fundamentally reshape regional power dynamics. His proposal calls for a non-aggression pact encompassing the six Gulf Cooperation Council states, Iran, and Iraq, with the explicit goal of reducing American involvement in regional security affairs.
Albusaidi’s speech came as high-level defense and intelligence officials from Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia traveled to Tehran to address escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The visit included Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, signaling the complexity of regional relationships despite recent Iranian strikes on Saudi infrastructure and ongoing attacks by Iran-backed Houthis. Tehran indicated the discussions explored future security frameworks for the region.
The Omani foreign minister argued that external powers have long imposed constraints on regional problem-solving, particularly regarding critical issues such as the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that Iran has been systematically excluded from meaningful participation in regional security arrangements for approximately five decades, creating what he characterized as damaging perceptions of fundamental antagonism between Iran and Arab Gulf states. Albusaidi suggested this exclusion has produced negative consequences not only for Iran but for the entire region.
Albusaidi also referenced earlier US-Iran talks mediated by Oman in February, asserting that significant progress had been achieved and that agreement appeared attainable. This statement implicitly challenged arguments for renewed military confrontation. Separately, Qatari mediators were engaged in negotiations regarding Iran’s potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while US military preparations for possible operations were reportedly underway.
The proposal faces substantial obstacles, including resistance from regional actors concerned about Iranian actions affecting regional economies, ongoing Israeli-American coordination, and the practical challenge of negotiating complex security arrangements. Additionally, concerns persist about whether a regional pact could address immediate demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the sanctions regime.
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