Iran and Oman Postpone Persian Gulf Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

MUSCAT: Iran and Oman have jointly postponed a planned meeting of foreign ministers from Persian Gulf littoral states, with officials saying the decision was taken at the request of regional countries and in the interest of consensus.

Mohammad Alibek, Director General of the Persian Gulf Department at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the meeting, which had been scheduled for Monday in Salalah, Oman, would be held at a later date.

He said Iran remained fully committed to constructive regional dialogue and would coordinate closely with Oman to determine a mutually convenient date for the gathering.

“At the request of certain regional countries and based on a joint decision by Oman and Iran, the meeting of foreign ministers from Persian Gulf littoral states, originally scheduled for Monday, has been postponed to a later date,” Alibek said.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi also confirmed the postponement, saying the decision had been made “in the interests of consensus.”

He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to dialogue and regional cooperation, saying efforts to promote stability and lasting cooperation would continue.

The postponement does not represent an end to the planned consultations, with Iran and Oman expected to work together on setting a new date.

The planned meeting was expected to bring together the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The participating countries are key states bordering the Persian Gulf, and the proposed gathering was intended to promote greater coordination, mutual understanding and regional security cooperation.

Iran has consistently called for regional security mechanisms involving Gulf states themselves and has opposed what it describes as excessive external interference in regional affairs.

Tehran considers direct dialogue among Persian Gulf countries important for addressing security concerns, safeguarding maritime routes and promoting economic cooperation.

The postponement, while delaying the meeting, leaves open the prospect of renewed regional consultations at a later date, with Iran and Oman continuing efforts to facilitate a gathering acceptable to all participating states.