Muscat – Oman on Sunday called for urgent diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict involving Iran, warning that continued hostilities could threaten regional stability and global economic interests.

The appeal came during an extraordinary ministerial meeting of the Arab League held virtually to discuss developments linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Oman’s delegation was led by H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, who said the region was at a “dangerous crossroads” as military escalation continued, warning that reliance on force rather than dialogue was increasing political, economic and security risks.

He said the Israeli-American attacks on Iran came at a time when diplomatic negotiations were showing progress towards a possible settlement.

H E Sayyid Busaidi also referred to Iran’s response, which included strikes targeting sites in several countries in the region, saying such actions constituted violations of national sovereignty.

He said the people of Arab and Islamic countries should not be drawn into a conflict that does not serve their interests, while expressing Oman’s solidarity with countries taking measures to defend themselves.

The foreign minister said statements of condemnation alone would not be sufficient to resolve the crisis, stressing the need for coordinated diplomatic pressure and renewed dialogue.

He also highlighted recent statements by Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding de-escalation with neighbouring countries and proposals for negotiations on a regional non-aggression agreement.

According to H E Sayyid Badr, such initiatives could help prevent the conflict from widening across the region.

He urged the use of diplomatic channels to persuade the US and Israel that concerns regarding Iran should be addressed through negotiations rather than military action.

He warned that a prolonged conflict could disrupt maritime navigation, supply chains and the global economy.

He said diplomatic and political efforts must remain the priority to reach a peaceful solution that preserves regional security and protects civilians from the consequences of war.

Diplomatic consultations

H E Sayyid Badr also met a number of ambassadors of Arab countries accredited to the sultanate to discuss the latest regional developments on Sunday.

The meeting was part of a series of consultations conducted by the minister in recent days to review developments in light of the ongoing Israeli-American war against Iran and its potential repercussions on the interests and stability of countries across the region.

Citizens return home safely

In light of the evolving regional situation, the Foreign Ministry, in coordination with relevant authorities, continues to facilitate the safe return of Omani citizens from abroad.

An additional group of citizens arrived in the sultanate on Sunday after being transferred from Iran through arrangements coordinated by Oman’s embassies in Tehran and Ankara, Turkiye in cooperation with authorities in Azerbaijan. The move was part of transit procedures aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth return of citizens.

The ministry added that more groups of citizens from GCC countries have returned to the sultanate safely through land borders.

It reaffirmed efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of all citizens wishing to return home.

Uninterrupted land, sea and air transport

Separately, the Government Communication Centre, in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, confirmed that all transport sectors continue to operate normally across the sultanate.

In a statement issued on Sunday, authorities said land, sea and air transport operations remain stable and fully functional. The statement underscored the efficiency of Oman’s logistical infrastructure, noting that maritime, land and air navigation continue without disruption, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of supply chains and travellers.