Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, has called for the establishment of a regional security agreement that includes the six Gulf states, Iran, and Iraq. Speaking at Cambridge’s Girton College, Albusaidi emphasized that Middle Eastern countries should take greater responsibility for their security, which has traditionally depended heavily on the United States.
Albusaidi argued that the exclusion of Iran from regional security frameworks has exacerbated tensions and complicated dispute resolution in the region. He proposed a non-aggression pact among Gulf countries, Iran, and Iraq, underscoring the importance of dialogue and collective responsibility. He also noted that external powers have unduly influenced regional security policies, thereby limiting the ability of neighboring countries to find common ground.
The call for a regional security pact comes as officials from Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia convened in Tehran to discuss regional security and efforts to prevent renewed conflict between the United States and Iran. The talks also addressed future security arrangements in the Middle East.
Albusaidi highlighted the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy shipments, advocating for regional collaboration to develop security arrangements that prevent further escalation. He mentioned that previous negotiations between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Oman, were progressing well and that an agreement seemed attainable.
Despite these efforts, tensions remain high across the region, with concerns about potential military confrontations and infrastructure attacks. Gulf countries face challenging security decisions as they try to safeguard their economies and maintain stability while managing relations with both Iran and the United States.
Albusaidi acknowledged that a regional security pact would face significant hurdles, given the deep-seated mistrust, Iran’s military activities, and security concerns among neighboring countries. Such an agreement would require extensive negotiations and assurances from all parties involved. Nonetheless, his proposal underscores Oman’s ongoing commitment to diplomacy and regional cooperation as a means to reduce tensions and establish an independent framework for collective security in the Middle East.