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 after being abruptly excluded from recent diplomatic talks aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East. This move by President Donald Trump has sparked significant backlash, particularly due to the Sultanate's historically neutral stance and its role as a crucial bridge between regional powers and global actors. The decision to remove Oman from the negotiation table was reportedly driven by U.S. officials' frustration over what they perceived as the country’s excessive closeness to Tehran, a sentiment that has led to accusations of double-dealing.

Oman, often referred to as the “Switzerland of the Middle East” because of its neutrality, has played a pivotal role in mediating conflicts and fostering dialogue among regional players. Its strategic location, sharing the Strait of Hormuz with Iran, has made it a vital player in maintaining stability in the Gulf region. Historically, Oman supported the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, which Trump later withdrew from, further complicating relations. Despite this, Oman continued to serve as a mediator during subsequent negotiations under Trump’s administration, even as tensions escalated following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian soil in June 2025 and again in late February 2026.

In early March 2026, high-ranking U.S. officials expressed their dissatisfaction with Oman’s involvement in the ongoing peace talks, stating that they felt the country had shown “great duplicity,” almost as if it were acting as a proxy for Iran. This accusation came amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of the mediation process, especially as the war in the region showed no signs of abating. The U.S. government reportedly decided to distance itself from Oman, citing a lack of trust in its ability to remain impartial amidst the escalating hostilities.

Oman’s role as a mediator has been tested repeatedly throughout these turbulent times. It was the first Gulf state to host an Israeli leader in 1994, and it has facilitated numerous dialogues between the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, and Saudi Arabia, which supports the Yemeni government. Following the 2015 nuclear agreement, Oman took on an increasingly prominent role in facilitating discussions between the U.S. and Iran, despite the challenges posed by periodic U.S. military actions against Iran.

During one such period of heightened tension, Oman’s foreign minister called on the U.S. to halt its airstrikes, arguing that Iran had little choice but to retaliate. This plea fell on deaf ears, and the situation worsened when the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, occurred during an Israeli-American attack. In response, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq extended his condolences to the newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, highlighting Oman’s commitment to maintaining open channels of communication with all parties involved.

As the conflict continued to escalate, other countries began to step into the void left by Oman’s exclusion. Pakistan, with support from Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, took the lead in brokering new agreements, while Qatar also emerged as a more influential actor in the region. These developments underscored the shifting dynamics of regional diplomacy and the growing importance of alternative mediators in the absence of Oman’s traditional role.

Trump’s frustration with Oman’s perceived alignment with Iran culminated in a dramatic warning last month, where he threatened to “crush” the Sultanate if it attempted to control the Strait of Hormuz alongside Iran. This statement reflected the deepening mistrust between the two nations and highlighted the precarious nature of international relations in the region. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Boren hinted at the possibility of sanctions against Muscat should the Sultanate implement a system of tolls for maritime traffic with Iran, although he later clarified that the Sultan’s ambassador had not yet taken such steps.

Despite these tensions, Oman remains a critical player in the region, with its unique position allowing it to maintain relationships with both the U.S. and Iran. However, the recent developments have raised questions about the sustainability of its neutrality and its ability to continue serving as an effective mediator in future negotiations. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely to see how the power dynamics shift and whether alternative mediators can fill the gap left by Oman’s diminished role.