Omani minister calls for restraint in Middle East conflict

Omani foreign minister on Saturday called on countries involved in the Middle East conflict to exercise “restraint,” saying his country was ready to help in any mediation.

“We call on all parties concerned to resolve their remaining differences through the pursuit of a policy of restraint and anticipation, and through dialogue to achieve consensual political solutions, and a lasting understanding for the benefit of all,” Badr al-Busaidi declared at the podium of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

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On the opposite bank of Iran

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that he rejected the Iranian proposal for a truce which could have led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. This sea route, through which a fifth of the world's hydrocarbons previously transited, is at the heart of the conflict that the United States and Israel triggered at the end of February with strikes on Iran. Since then, the Islamic Republic has claimed control, and Washington in return imposes a blockade on Iranian ports.

“Oman once again reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continuing its efforts to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” Badr al-Busaidi said on Saturday. Oman lies on the opposite side of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, and ships seeking to circumvent Tehran's restrictions have recently moved to adopt a route along the Omani coast.