MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman continues its relentless diplomatic efforts to contain the unprecedented escalation resulting from Israel’s military aggression against Iran, which has ignited the current regional tensions.
Oman has reaffirmed its firm stance rejecting military escalation and violations of state sovereignty, emphasising that the only way to resolve the crisis lies in a serious return to the diplomatic path to reach a just agreement and save the region from a perilous abyss with unpredictable consequences that could extend worldwide.
Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, held phone calls with his Russian and Chinese counterparts as part of a series of communications with various Arab and friendly nations.
The discussions addressed the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stressing that Israel is the aggressor in violation of the United Nations Charter and the party responsible for undermining peace efforts, including US-Iranian negotiations aimed at preventing nuclear proliferation.
The ministers agreed that a military solution is futile and that achieving an early ceasefire would facilitate a return to the negotiating table to address the nuclear issue in a manner that ensures stability and peace for all.
During the call, the Foreign Minister and his Russian counterpart agreed that this unprecedented escalation violates the UN Charter, renewing their call for an immediate halt to these attacks, as well as refraining from targeting nuclear facilities to prevent the risks of nuclear radiation leaks.
The Russian minister expressed his country’s deep appreciation for Oman’s mediation efforts, reaffirming the Russian Federation’s support for negotiations, diplomatic pathways and political solutions, which are crucial for maintaining international peace and security.
On the other hand, the Chinese Foreign Minister, emphasised during the phone call with Sayyid Badr that the nuclear issue cannot be resolved outside diplomatic efforts, stressing that Israel’s attacks on Iranian territory constitute a clear and blatant violation of the UN Charter and principles of international law. He also expressed alignment with Oman’s position and commended Oman’s tireless efforts for peace and facilitating negotiations.
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245 Omanis repatriated from Iran, neighbouring countries
In line with the Foreign Ministry’s plan to facilitate the return of Omani citizens from abroad, 245 Omanis have been repatriated in the latest phase of the initiative, which included cooperation with the Sultanate of Oman’s embassy in Tehran and coordination with relevant authorities to ensure their safe and seamless return.
The operation, part of the second phase of the evacuation plan, also covered the return of citizens from various other countries via the Iranian city of Bandar Abbas. As part of the initiative, ten buses were arranged to transport citizens from northern regions of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the border crossing with the Republic of Turkiye.
Additionally, three buses were organised to facilitate transfers to the Shalamcheh border point with the Republic of Iraq. Coordination is currently under way with concerned entities in neighbouring countries to expedite their return, the ministry affirmed. - ONA
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