Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, has advocated for a new regional security agreement that includes the six Gulf states, Iran, and Iraq, highlighting the need for Middle Eastern countries to assume greater responsibility for their security. Speaking at Girton College, Cambridge, Albusaidi stressed that excluding Iran from past security arrangements had exacerbated regional tensions, complicating dispute resolution efforts. He argued that a collaborative approach could address enduring security challenges in the region.
Albusaidi proposed a non-aggression pact among the Gulf countries, Iran, and Iraq, emphasizing dialogue and collective responsibility. He pointed out that external powers, particularly the United States, have historically played an outsized role in regional security policies, which has limited the ability of neighboring countries to find common ground independently.
His comments coincided with talks in Tehran involving senior officials from Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. These discussions focused on regional security and efforts to prevent further conflict between the United States and Iran, as well as future Middle Eastern security arrangements.
Albusaidi underscored the importance of resolving disputes in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage for global energy shipments. He suggested that regional nations should collaborate to develop security measures that would ensure maritime safety and prevent further escalation.
He also noted that previous negotiations between Washington and Tehran, facilitated by Oman, had shown promising progress towards an agreement. However, tensions remain high in the region, with Gulf countries facing complex security decisions as they balance relations with both Iran and the United States amidst concerns of potential renewed military confrontations.
Despite the potential benefits, Albusaidi acknowledged that a regional security pact would encounter significant challenges, including longstanding mistrust, Iran’s military activities, and security concerns from neighboring countries. Achieving such an agreement would likely require comprehensive negotiations and assurances from all involved parties. Nonetheless, Albusaidi’s proposal illustrates Oman’s ongoing commitment to fostering diplomacy and cooperation to reduce tensions and establish a more autonomous regional security framework.