OMM Newsroom
Pakistan and Oman on Wednesday discussed the US-Iran confrontation, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and threats to key shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, calling for restraint and diplomacy. Muscat praised Islamabad’s mediation efforts.
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi said at a joint news conference with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar that these efforts had helped pave the way for dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
“Your efforts to encourage the parties to engage, understand one another, show respect and recognize each other are commendable. I express my gratitude for all your efforts,” he said. Al Busaidi added that Oman appreciated Pakistan’s role in creating conditions for dialogue between Iran and the United States.
Dar said the talks covered the US-Iran confrontation, the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the situation in Gaza. He described Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as “completely unacceptable” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the kingdom.
Both ministers called for restraint, de-escalation and diplomacy, stressing the importance of protecting shipping through two strategic waterways that are vital to global food and energy supplies.
Dar said the confrontation was already affecting Pakistan’s economy: disruptions to energy supply chains were driving up prices and adding to the burden on households. He called for renewed efforts to restore stability in the region.
Pakistan’s role in US-Iran talks
Pakistan has worked with Qatar to bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed in June 2026, was part of diplomatic efforts to end the confrontation.
Subsequent talks were intended to address implementation of the agreement and establish a framework for further discussions, but obstacles have slowed the process. Key differences between the United States and Iran remain unresolved.
Oman, which has long served as a diplomatic mediator in the region, has praised Islamabad’s contribution as concerns grow over Persian Gulf security and maritime trade.
Pakistan and Oman seek to expand trade ties
Alongside the diplomatic discussions, the seventh meeting of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission was held in Islamabad. The meeting, convened after a seven-year gap, was co-chaired by Dar and Al Busaidi.
The sides agreed to deepen cooperation through joint working groups in trade, investment, agriculture, oil and gas, labor, and workforce development. Dar also announced plans to hold a business and investment forum in Pakistan.
The ministers identified maritime transport, logistics, industry, energy, education, information technology and climate change as other areas for cooperation. They also discussed opportunities for Omani employers to hire more skilled Pakistani workers.
Dar said he intended to visit Oman in 2027 for the next commission meeting. Discussions also covered the commission’s protocol and reciprocal visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
Continued instability in the Persian Gulf could compound Pakistan’s economic challenges. Disruptions to energy shipments and maritime trade could increase import costs and place further pressure on the country’s economy.
By strengthening ties with Oman and other regional partners, Islamabad is seeking to sustain the negotiation process and protect its energy supplies and trade interests.
