US Diplomatic Shift: Marco Rubio Reaches Out to Omani Foreign Minister to Strengthen Alliance

In a notable shift in diplomatic tone, the US administration signaled a renewed partnership with Muscat on Tuesday, less than a month after US President Donald Trump previously threatened military action against Oman amid rising tensions with Iran.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi. During the call, Mr Rubio praised Muscat for playing an essential part in regional de-escalation while strongly denouncing recent Iranian attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott noted that Mr Rubio conveyed strong backing for forging even closer bilateral ties between Oman and the United States. This dialogue represents a stark pivot in Washington's public diplomatic approach toward the nation.

Previously, US President Donald Trump expressed frustration over Muscat engaging in diplomatic negotiations with Tehran concerning the Strait of Hormuz, leading him to issue threats of bombing Oman twice as regional deals were being pursued. On August 17, US President Donald Trump stated, “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb,” echoing a similar warning delivered during a May cabinet meeting.

Throughout Tuesday's discussion, Mr Rubio reaffirmed the shared US commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ensuring open navigation lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.

For decades, Oman has successfully built an international reputation as a trusted diplomatic mediator in the Middle East, balancing a longstanding strategic alliance with the US alongside close diplomatic channels with Iran.