Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi intensified diplomatic efforts on Sunday, March 1, urging an immediate ceasefire during a call with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The appeal comes as Iranian drone strikes targeted the port of Duqm in Oman for the first time this year, injuring a foreign worker, amid escalating retaliatory actions against ongoing US-Israeli air raids.
Albusaidi reiterated Oman's longstanding role as a regional mediator, emphasizing the need for dialogue to address 'the legitimate demands of all parties,' according to a ministry statement. Araghchi responded by affirming Iran's 'openness to serious efforts' to de-escalate tensions, while defending the strikes as responses to perceived aggression.
The attack on Duqm marks a strategic shift in Iran's campaign, as Oman had previously remained untouched during the conflict's initial phase. Analysts suggest the strike could signal Tehran's attempt to pressure Gulf states while avoiding direct confrontation with major powers.
This development underscores the fragile security landscape in the Middle East, with global markets closely monitoring energy supply routes near the Strait of Hormuz. The Omani government has yet to announce countermeasures but reaffirmed its commitment to neutral diplomacy.
