Why Oman Was Spared in Iran’s Gulf Strikes
Decades of neutrality shaped by direct ties to Tehran kept Muscat outside the retaliatory fire.
Overview
- Iran launched retaliatory attacks after joint US–Israeli strikes, prompting sirens and air‑defence responses in cities including Dubai and Doha.
- Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE reported missile activity or explosions, with Bahrain saying the US Fifth Fleet headquarters was targeted and the UAE reporting one death from shrapnel.
- Oman recorded no strikes, a result analysts tie to half a century of steady engagement with Iran dating to Tehran’s support for Muscat during the Dhofar rebellion.
- Muscat’s reputation as a trusted mediator and shared interests with Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, plus prospective energy links such as a proposed gas pipeline, provide incentives to avoid confrontation.
- Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi urged the United States to avoid deeper involvement in the confrontation, reinforcing Oman’s de‑escalatory stance.