King Charles lauds Omani peace efforts on Sultan's state visit

King Charles III commended Oman's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East during Sultan Haitham bin Tariq's first state visit to the UK in nearly 50 years. At a banquet at Windsor Castle, the British monarch highlighted Oman's crucial role in helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a point of contention amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

Charles emphasized Oman's "enduring commitment" as a "trusted interlocutor" for all parties involved. The Omani ruler's visit comes amid heightened tensions in the region, and Sultan Haitham is set to meet with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to discuss security, trade, and investment. The UK has a long-standing military alliance with Oman, with British forces having trained alongside Omani forces and a strategic military presence in the port town of Duqm.

The Sultan's three-day visit began with a royal welcome at Windsor Castle, followed by a private lunch with the royal family and a tour of Royal Collection artefacts. Meanwhile, the UK government announced deployment of fighter planes to support Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks from Yemen.