US-Oman ties face strain as Muscat walks tightrope between Washington and Tehran

Oman, a key player in Middle Eastern diplomacy, is finding it difficult to balance its relationships with both the United States and Iran. The US has threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with US efforts to end the ongoing conflict with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the tension, Oman has been a US strategic partner for nearly 200 years, dating back to the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833. However, the recent pressure from Washington has put a strain on the relationship.

In an attempt to navigate the complex situation, President Trump signed a document agreeing to facilitate dialogue between Oman and Iran to define future administration and maritime services in the strait. However, doubts remain over whether this effort was genuinely bilateral or a US-led initiative. The June 17 memorandum of understanding aimed to serve as an interim framework for ending the war and negotiating a longer-term nuclear agreement, but it expired on Monday after both sides failed to reach an agreement.

The main disagreement lies in the interpretation of the Strait of Hormuz clause. Iran sees the language as granting it the right to manage the entire strait, while the US believes Iran must guarantee freedom of navigation and not use the waterway as leverage. Oman, sharing the strait with Iran, sees the issue as a matter of national security and international law. Despite the challenges, Oman continues to pursue diplomatic channels with Iran and maintains a commitment to neutrality in the conflict.