By Mohamed Sabreen
Amid a region experiencing one of its most turbulent periods in decades, the Sultanate of Oman, under the leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, continues to present a distinct model of foreign policy. This model is not based on polarization or a policy of axes, but rather on the belief that dialogue remains the least costly and most sustainable path to achieving security and stability. With its characteristic calm, Muscat has dispelled concerns about the future of the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirmed its commitment to the rules of international law.
In an exclusive interview with Monte Carlo International Radio on the eve of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s visit to France, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi confirmed that the Sultanate of Oman rejects imposing fees on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, considering this “internationally prohibited.” While not ruling out the possibility of discussing voluntary “maritime services” with companies, Al-Busaidi emphasized his country’s commitment to freedom of navigation and international law. All this comes as Muscat continues its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and implement the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States.
Regarding the future of the Strait of Hormuz, the Omani minister stressed that his country is keen to ensure that navigation in the Strait remains “safe, secure, and free for all,” given the importance of this waterway to the global economy and to the countries of the region, including Iran.
He explained that the ongoing dialogue between Muscat and Tehran is based on the necessity for any future understanding to be consistent with the rules of international law. He noted that the Sultanate of Oman is committed to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and that any new arrangements in the Strait must remain within the framework of international legitimacy.
On the debate surrounding the potential imposition of fees for using the Strait, Al-Busaidi affirmed that Oman does not support imposing any transit fees. However, he did not rule out the possibility of discussing mechanisms related to maritime services, such as enhancing navigational safety, preparing for emergencies, and combating pollution, similar to models implemented in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
He added that any such arrangements would be made in consultation with the countries and companies benefiting from navigation in the Strait, emphasizing that the goal is to improve services and ensure navigational security, not to impose new burdens on global trade. The statements made by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi to Monte Carlo International Radio reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to dialogue. The man who, in recent years, led mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, spoke not only as a representative of a Gulf state, but also as a champion of diplomacy itself at a time when it is losing ground to the language of force.
What distinguishes Omani policy is that it does not view mediation as a tactical role or an attempt to achieve political gains, but rather as an integral part of the state’s identity. For decades, Muscat has successfully maintained open channels of communication with conflicting parties, which grants it rare credibility in a region accustomed to sharp divisions.
Experience confirms that this policy has not been passive neutrality, but rather proactive engagement aimed at bridging differences and preventing a slide into war. This is why the Sultanate has become a key hub for both secret and public negotiations, whether concerning the Iranian nuclear issue or a number of other regional crises. In his remarks, Al-Busaidi expressed regret over the stalled negotiations at moments when genuine opportunities for solutions existed. He asserted that undermining diplomatic efforts serves neither regional stability nor international security, and that the alternative to negotiation is nothing but further escalation and uncertainty.
This perspective stems not only from ethical considerations but also from a realistic assessment of the region’s nature. The Middle East can no longer withstand new wars, and Gulf security is no longer a purely local issue but is now linked to energy security, global trade, and the safety of maritime routes.
Hence, the Sultanate of Oman appears keen to build a regional security system based on dialogue, mutual respect, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states—principles that have formed the foundation of Omani foreign policy for decades.
The Omani Foreign Minister’s statements also reveal a profound understanding that reshaping the region by military force will not achieve stability and that any regional arrangements that disregard political justice, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue, will remain vulnerable to collapse, no matter how strong they may initially appear.
The past years have demonstrated that military force can temporarily alter the balance of power, but it cannot produce lasting peace. Dialogue, despite its slowness and complexities, remains the only way to build lasting understandings.
Today, amidst the rapid transformations sweeping the Middle East, the need for the Omani model seems greater than ever. States that can engage with all parties are more important than those that take sides, and trusted mediators have become a crucial element of stability in the new regional order.
Perhaps what distinguishes Omani policy under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is its continuation of the “smart neutrality” approach for which the Sultanate has been known for decades. This neutrality has been an expression of the independence of national decision-making and the ability to communicate with all parties without becoming entangled in the politics of axes or sharp polarization.
Muscat has successfully transformed this approach into a genuine source of strength, becoming one of the few countries capable of maintaining balanced relations with competing regional and international powers simultaneously.
Perhaps the greatest secret to the respect enjoyed by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq lies in the fact that Oman does not raise its rhetoric beyond what it can deliver but rather adheres to a consistent policy based on realism, composure, and fulfilling its commitments. Therefore, the Omani voice has acquired particular weight in sensitive regional and international affairs.
The experience of the Sultanate of Oman confirms that wisdom is not the opposite of strength; rather, it may be its most influential and enduring manifestation. When wisdom is coupled with sovereign decision-making and balance with independence, a state becomes capable of commanding respect quietly.
Perhaps for this reason, the Sultanate of Oman is no longer just a mediator in crises but has become a school of diplomacy that offers an important lesson that wisdom can sometimes be more influential than force and that building bridges between adversaries can create strategic achievements that battlefields cannot.
Author: Mohamed Sabreen is Managing Editor of Al-Ahram (Egypt).He is a senior journalist and analyst specializing in international affairs, Middle Eastern geopolitics, Asian Affairs,environmental issues, and sustainable development. He serves as a Senior Expert at the United World Research Center.
He is a regular contributing columnist to a range of leading international publications, including Al-Ahram Weekly (Egypt), Al-Masry Al-Youm (Egypt), The Korea Times (South Korea), New Straits Times (Malaysia), Xinhua News Agency (China), China Daily (China), China Today (China), Al-Sabah (Iraq), Ad-Dustour (Jordan), and An-Nahar (Kuwait).
