The United States has dropped Oman from its role in Iran negotiations, citing what officials described as duplicitous conduct by the Gulf sultanate. The move, confirmed by diplomatic sources, threatens to strain Washington's ties with Gulf allies and could complicate already fragile efforts to curb Tehran's nuclear program.
Why Oman was sidelined
Oman had long served as a backchannel between Washington and Tehran, hosting quiet talks and helping to free detained Americans. But recent actions by Muscat — which the US deemed inconsistent with its role as an honest broker — led to the decision to remove the country from the negotiating table. The exact nature of the alleged duplicity has not been publicly detailed, but the accusation carries weight in a region where trust between states is often thin.
Oman's government has not formally responded to the charge. The Omani foreign ministry, known for its discreet diplomacy, rarely comments on such matters in public.
Strain on Gulf relations
The decision risks widening a gap between the US and some Gulf Cooperation Council members. Oman, unlike Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, has maintained open lines to Iran even after the US withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018. Other regional players may now question the reliability of Washington as a partner, especially when it comes to sensitive backchannel talks.
American diplomats are already working to reassure allies that the move was specific to Oman and not a broader shift in policy. Still, the optics are poor. Losing a trusted intermediary leaves the US with fewer options to engage Iran indirectly, at a time when indirect talks have been the only viable path.
What comes next
For now, Washington has not named a replacement mediator. Some Gulf watchers suggest Qatar or Switzerland could step in, but neither has the same long-standing relationship with both sides. The US and Iran remain at odds over enrichment levels, sanctions, and regional proxy conflicts. Without a reliable channel, small misunderstandings could escalate faster.
The Omani removal was effective immediately, according to the same sources. It is unclear whether the US will issue a formal statement or whether Oman will seek to clarify its actions in private. What is certain: diplomacy with Iran just got harder.
