Sultan of Oman to make state visit to UK, balancing pressures from US and Iran
The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, is set to embark on a three-day state visit to Britain from October 20 to 22. The visit will see the Arab nation, which controls the southern end of the Strait of Hormuz, navigate tensions with both the United States and Iran.
During the visit, King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host the Sultan at Windsor Castle. Buckingham Palace announced the details of the event, although specifics remain undisclosed. This state visit serves the dual purpose of honoring Oman and using royal pomp to influence the political landscape.
The Sultan's visit arrives amidst heightened tensions. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action, suggesting he might bomb Oman in response to potential negotiations with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait is critical, handling 20% of the world's oil and gas supply before the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.
The Sultan previously visited Britain in 2021 for a private tea session at Windsor Castle. The last state visit by an Oman Sultan occurred in March 1982, hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
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