Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi has advocated for a regional security agreement that includes the six Gulf states, Iran, and Iraq, emphasizing the need for Middle Eastern countries to take greater responsibility for their security. Speaking at Girton College, Cambridge, Albusaidi argued that excluding Iran from past security arrangements has exacerbated regional tensions and hindered dispute resolution.
Albusaidi proposed a non-aggression pact among the Gulf countries, Iran, and Iraq, underscoring the necessity of dialogue and collective responsibility. He criticized the excessive influence of external powers in shaping regional security policies, which he believes has limited the ability of neighboring countries to find common ground.
His comments coincided with discussions in Tehran involving officials from Türkiye, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, focusing on regional security and efforts to prevent renewed conflict between the United States and Iran. These talks also explored future security arrangements in the Middle East.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, Albusaidi stressed the need for regional cooperation to ensure maritime security and prevent escalation. He noted that past negotiations between Washington and Tehran, which Oman mediated, had been progressing well and suggested that an agreement had seemed within reach.
The proposal for a regional security pact comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following attacks on infrastructure and concerns about possible military confrontations. Gulf countries face complex security decisions as they attempt to balance relations with Iran and the United States while safeguarding their economies and stability.
However, Albusaidi’s vision of a regional security framework could face significant challenges. Longstanding mistrust, Iran’s military activities, and security concerns among neighboring countries present substantial obstacles. Achieving such an agreement would likely require extensive negotiations and assurances from all involved parties.