Oman Summons Saudi Ambassador in Protest Against Bombing in Yemen

Oman's Foreign Ministry summoned the Saudi ambassador in Muscat on Saturday evening, September 28, in protest against the bombing of its ambassador's residence in Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, by the Saudi-led coalition's fighter jets. Meanwhile, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that the Islamic Republic's embassy in Sana'a remains operational and Iranian diplomats continue their activities in the country. According to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), Hassan Qashqavi, the parliamentary deputy of Mohammad Javad Zarif, was responding to rumors regarding the closure of Iran's embassy in Yemen. On Saturday, Oman's state news agency reported that the Foreign Ministry's statement conveyed "deep regret and protest over this incident to the Saudi ambassador, and the Kingdom of Oman expects necessary explanations regarding this matter." The Omani Foreign Ministry explained that the Saudi ambassador was summoned because Saudi Arabia leads the Arab coalition in the current war in Yemen. The protest note submitted to the Saudi ambassador stated: "We express our deep regret over the targeting of the residence of the Omani ambassador in Sana'a by the Arab coalition led by our friend and brother, the Saudi Kingdom. This attack destroyed the building and caused significant damage." The Omani Foreign Ministry added: "We protest this action against the Kingdom of Oman and ask the Saudi Kingdom to provide an explanation for this unacceptable behavior towards Oman's interests in Sana'a." Oman also expressed hope for more efforts "to end the current situation in Yemen and encourage Yemeni parties to dialogue in order to restore stability to their country." Some media outlets reported, citing residents and eyewitnesses in Sana'a, that the Omani ambassador's residence was damaged in the bombing by the Arab coalition. According to these reports, fighter jets bombed a neighboring house belonging to a Houthi militia official. Oman maintains a neutral position in the Yemen crisis and is the only member of the Gulf Cooperation Council that has not participated in the Arab coalition supporting the government of Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, the President of Yemen. This coalition was formed after the Houthis and their allies took control of large areas of Yemen and reached the southern city of Aden. Recently, Oman has played an active role in mediating between Yemeni parties. In recent weeks, representatives from the conflicting parties in Yemen have met in Muscat under the supervision of the United Nations. In this context, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the closure of Iran's embassy in Sana'a is not true. The Yemeni Prime Minister returned to Aden after months of leading the exiled government.