Oman resists US pressure to break ties with Iran over strait of Hormuz

Key points

• Oman is resisting US pressure to break its links with Iran, and insists it has only been negotiating with Tehran on a future management system for the strait of Hormuz that would be compliant with international law.
• The aim would be to implement any regime after consulting the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• Traditionally Oman, a longtime US ally that shares stewardship of the strait, has adopted the role of a back-channel mediator allowing it to remain neutral in disputes that have led to fissures in other parts of the Gulf.
• Its neutrality has limits.
• It is highly critical of Israel’s disdain for international law, and on Wednesday issued a statement condemning the Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait.