How the Sultanate of Oman, the undisputed mediator in the Iran-US negotiations, angered Trump

The Sultanate of Oman, long regarded as an impartial mediator between Iran and the United States, has found itself at the center of controversy following its recent distancing from U.S.-Iran negotiations. This shift has reportedly triggered frustration within the Trump administration, which views Oman's close ties with Tehran as problematic. Historically, Oman has played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between regional powers, particularly during critical moments such as the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. However, under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the U.S. has grown increasingly wary of Oman’s neutrality, especially after several high-profile incidents involving military actions against Iran.

Oman, often referred to as the “Switzerland of the Middle East” due to its policy of non-alignment, shares the Strait of Hormuz with Iran—a strategically vital waterway. Its role as a mediator was instrumental in maintaining stability in the region, particularly during times of heightened tension. For instance, Oman was the first Gulf state to host an Israeli leader in 1994 and has also facilitated talks between Houthi rebels in Yemen, supported by Iran, and Saudi Arabia, which backs the Yemeni government. Following the 2015 nuclear agreement, Oman continued to serve as a diplomatic bridge between Iran and the West, even amidst ongoing conflicts and tensions.

However, the situation began to change when the Trump administration launched airstrikes against Iran in June 2025 and again in late February 2026. These attacks disrupted ongoing negotiations and led to increased scrutiny of Oman’s role. In response, Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, called on the U.S. to halt its strikes, arguing that Iran had little choice but to retaliate. His comments were published in *The Economist* in March 2026, highlighting the growing friction between the two nations over military actions in the region.

Amidst this backdrop, Oman’s Sultan, Haitham bin Tariq, extended condolences to Ayatollah Mohammad Khamenei upon his appointment as Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, during an Israeli-American attack. This gesture underscored Oman’s commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with all parties, including Iran. Despite these efforts, the U.S. appears to have shifted its stance, with high-ranking officials expressing concerns about Oman’s perceived bias toward Iran.

In early 2026, a senior Trump administration official revealed that the U.S. had effectively removed Oman from the negotiation process, citing the perception that Oman was displaying significant duplicity, almost akin to being employees of Iran. This sentiment was further reinforced by Trump’s public threats, where he warned that he would “crush” Oman if it attempted to take control of the Strait of Hormuz alongside Iran. Additionally, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Boren hinted at potential sanctions against Muscat should the country implement a system of tolls for maritime traffic with Iran. Although he later clarified that the Omani ambassador had not been directly targeted, the implications of such statements remain clear.

As the conflict in the Middle East continues to evolve, the role of Oman remains uncertain. While the country has historically maintained a delicate balance between regional powers, the current geopolitical climate suggests that this equilibrium may be shifting. With the U.S. increasingly skeptical of Oman’s neutrality and Iran viewing the country as a crucial ally, the future of Oman’s diplomatic influence will depend on how both sides navigate their respective interests and challenges. As negotiations continue, the international community will be watching closely to see whether Oman can maintain its position as a trusted mediator amid rising tensions.