Oman calls for Gulf security pact as regional delegations meet in Tehran

Oman Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi called on Monday for a non-aggression security pact involving all six Gulf states, Iran, and Iraq, the Guardian reported. Albusaidi said the United States should no longer serve as the primary provider of regional security. In a speech, he stated that the ability of the Middle East to resolve its own issues has been limited by a 50-year insistence by America that Gulf states view Iran as a security threat. [1]

The proposal came as high-level delegations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey met with Iranian authorities in Tehran on Monday, PBS NewsHour and the New York Post both reported. According to regional officials cited by the New York Post, the discussions aimed to avert a wider war between Iran, Israel, and the United States. PBS NewsHour reported that the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated diplomacy remains possible, but Iran rejects American demands for surrender. [2][3]

The diplomatic meetings included Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Ibrahim Kalin, according to PBS NewsHour. Euronews reported that Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey are engaging in talks with Tehran while strengthening military readiness under the terms of the Mecca Defence Alliance. [2][5]

The diplomatic efforts occur as Iranian citizens express fear over a potential return to all-out war ahead of pending elections in both the United States and Israel, PBS NewsHour and the New York Post reported. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has faced growing domestic political pressure and infighting during the conflict. [2][3][13]