Muscat – Oman’s facilitation of high-level talks between the United States and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear programme has received widespread praise from Gulf and Arab countries, reinforcing the sultanate’s role as a trusted diplomatic intermediary in the region.

At the meeting held in Muscat on Saturday, both sides agreed to hold another round of negotiations next week. The Iranian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US delegation was headed by Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy.

On Sunday, H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, held a phone conversation with Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, to discuss regional developments including the Muscat talks. Safadi conveyed Jordan’s full support for Oman’s mediation, describing its role as “responsible” and praising the efforts to “bring viewpoints closer and promote peaceful paths to resolve regional disputes”.

Bahrain welcomed Oman’s efforts, describing the facilitation as a ‘constructive diplomatic initiative’ that supports regional and international peace and security.

In another call, H E Sayyid Badr and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani reviewed the outcome of the meeting. The Qatari official praised Oman’s “positive and constructive” role in promoting dialogue and reaffirmed Doha’s support for efforts aimed at regional stability.

H E Sayyid Badr also spoke with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of UAE, who valued Oman’s constructive efforts aimed at fostering a climate conducive to understanding and building confidence in a way that enhances security and peace in the region.

Kuwait also expressed support, stating that the Muscat meetings reflected a ‘positive spirit’ and an ‘encouraging tone’ from both Washington and Tehran. It commended Oman’s continued efforts to promote calm and cooperation in the region.

Saudi Arabia welcomed the sultanate’s mediation, expressing hope that the talks would pave way for greater regional cooperation. Riyadh reiterated its support for ‘efforts to promote security, stability and peace in the region and globally’.

Egypt too commended Oman, citing its ‘constructive, vital and ongoing role’ in supporting peaceful political solutions amid the region’s challenges.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the White House appreciated Oman for hosting the first round of talks between the US and Iran, which mark the highest level of engagement between the two nations since 2018.