Oman's Foreign Minister Calls for 'De-escalation and Wisdom' in the Middle East During Amir-Abdollahian's Visit

Said Badr al-Busaidi, the Foreign Minister of Oman, on Sunday, while Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic, began his new regional tour from Muscat, called for 'de-escalation and prioritizing the voice of wisdom' in the Middle East. According to a statement released by the official Oman news agency, he said, 'Oman supports the initiative to reduce tensions in the region, address various issues and conflicts in the Middle East, and also prioritizing the voice of wisdom.' Hossein Amir-Abdollahian's regional trip comes almost a week after the Islamic Republic's consulate in Damascus, the capital of Syria, was destroyed following an airstrike attributed to Israel, raising concerns and tensions in the Middle East. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran, Oman has frequently played a mediating role between Tehran and the West and has also engaged in regional mediation, including between the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen and the legitimate government of that country. According to the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amir-Abdollahian also met with Mohammed Abdulsalam, the spokesman for the Houthis, praising this militia group's 'brave support' for the Palestinians. The ministry did not mention the location of this meeting. Since late October 2023 and the beginning of the Gaza war, the Houthis have carried out dozens of missile and drone attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, claiming these attacks are in support of the Palestinians and aimed at establishing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The Islamic Republic is still undecided on how to respond to Israel; explanations from Hossein Aqaee Israel: 'We are not seeking war with Iran, but we will do whatever is necessary to defend ourselves.' A senior congressional member pointed out the threat from the Islamic Republic: 'Americans in the Middle East remain at risk.' A senior advisor to Khamenei threatened Israeli embassies: 'You will have to wait to see how it will unfold.' The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army stated: 'We are prepared to counter the threats from the Islamic Republic.'