Tehran, Iran – Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al Busaidi, has reiterated the Sultanate’s unwavering belief in dialogue as the primary means to address regional and global challenges. Speaking at the opening session of the 4th Tehran Dialogue Forum, Sayyid Badr stressed that meaningful conversation — even with adversaries — is essential to building lasting peace.

The Forum, held under the patronage of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, was attended by foreign ministers, senior officials, and international experts. Sayyid Badr was present at the invitation of Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Abbas Araghchi, whose diplomatic approach he praised for its candour, precision and commitment to dialogue.

Highlighting Oman’s long-standing diplomatic ties with Iran, Sayyid Badr said the Forum offered a timely platform for honest and constructive discussion. He noted that dialogue remains a difficult path but is ultimately the only viable one for resolving entrenched issues.

In his speech, Sayyid Badr placed special emphasis on the Palestinian cause, describing the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza as a “global tragedy” that could have been prevented. “This catastrophe is the consequence of missed opportunities for dialogue,” he said, blaming the repeated refusal of successive Israeli governments to engage with Palestinian representatives and the international community’s failure to intervene effectively.

He acknowledged recent signals from the United States that may suggest a shift towards a more pragmatic and inclusive diplomatic approach. While such developments emerge amidst continued military escalation, he said they also hint at a potential reawakening of commitment to dialogue — even as Tel Aviv intensifies its military operations.

“Dialogue is not the easy option, but it is the only path to a just settlement,” Sayyid Badr remarked. “Gaza has taught us a horrific lesson in what happens when the courage to speak to the other is absent.”

He concluded by expressing hope that the Tehran Dialogue Forum would serve to amplify voices in favour of diplomacy and reinforce the global conviction that true solutions arise through mutual understanding, not force.

The Forum’s agenda also explored the shifting global order, regional cooperation, and shared challenges in politics, economics and energy. It called for enhanced multilateral frameworks to confront these issues collectively.