Obama Emphasizes Cooperation with U.S. Regional Allies Regarding Iran

On Monday, April 6, Barack Obama, the President of the United States, emphasized that he will continue to work with U.S. regional allies in the Middle East to make Iran aware of what has been described as its 'destabilizing activities.' The White House stated that Obama, in a phone call with Sultan Qaboos, the King of Oman, stressed that he is 'working with Oman and other regional allies to make Tehran aware of its destabilizing activities in the region (Middle East).' According to Agence France-Presse, Obama's call is part of Washington's efforts to convince U.S. allies that a potential final agreement regarding Tehran's nuclear program does not mean Washington will soften its stance regarding Iran's role in the Middle East. Major Sunni Arab countries accuse Tehran of instigating proxy wars in countries like Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, or Syria, where Iranian-backed forces, mainly Shia, are present. Conversely, Iranian officials have leveled accusations against regional countries, accusing them of initiating proxy wars or supporting extremist Sunni groups. The White House statement indicated that Obama told Sultan Qaboos that the months leading up to the end of June (the deadline for finalizing a comprehensive nuclear agreement) would be used to finalize technical details, which are intended to provide assurance regarding the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear program. Iran has consistently emphasized that its nuclear program only pursues peaceful objectives. Tehran's lack of cooperation with the international community led the United Nations Security Council, during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency, to impose sanctions and resolutions against Iran. The U.S. and the European Union have also implemented separate sanctions against Tehran. Oman has acted as a mediator between Iranian leaders and the United States on various occasions.