Oman
Background
Oman, officially the Sultanate of Oman, is a country in the southeastern Arabian Peninsula in West Asia. It borders Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, and its coastline faces the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The country also includes the exclaves of Madha and Musandam, which are separated from the main territory by United Arab Emirates land. Muscat is the capital and largest city, and the population is about 5.46 million.
The country is significant in regional and international affairs because of its location near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Oman is an absolute monarchy ruled by a sultan and is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Its economy is classified by the World Bank as high-income, and it combines hydrocarbon wealth with trade, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. In Russian foreign affairs, Oman has recently been part of diplomatic discussions connected to tensions in the Gulf, including contacts between Russian and Omani foreign ministers.
Historically, Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world and has been ruled by the Al Bu Said dynasty since 1744. In earlier centuries it was a regional maritime power with influence across the Indian Ocean and around the Persian Gulf, later coming under British influence while remaining formally sovereign. The modern state changed markedly during the reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who ruled from 1970 to 2020 and oversaw major domestic reforms, including the abolition of slavery and the end of the Dhofar Rebellion. Since 2020, Haitham bin Tariq has served as sultan, and Oman continues to be regarded as a stable and strategically located state in a region shaped by security concerns and maritime trade.
Timeline
Oman’s foreign minister Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi discussed the Iran-related conflict with Sergey Lavrov and called for de-escalation.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al-BusaidiOman and Russia discussed preventing Gulf states from being drawn into the conflict involving Iran.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al-BusaidiRussia offered to help broker a diplomatic solution in talks with Oman.
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al-BusaidiRussia’s Foreign Ministry warned Russian citizens against travel to Oman amid ongoing regional hostilities.
Warning for Citizens of the Russian Federation Planning Travel AbroadThe warning cited the risk of cancelled connecting flights affecting travel to Oman.
Warning for Citizens of the Russian Federation Planning Travel Abroad
Documents
On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi
Lavrov and Oman's FM discussed the conflict involving Iran, urging de-escalation and warning against drawing Gulf states in, with Russia offering to help broker a diplomatic solution.
Warning for Citizens of the Russian Federation Planning Travel Abroad
Russia's Foreign Ministry warned citizens against travel to Gulf states amid ongoing regional hostilities, citing risks of cancelled connecting flights and personal safety concerns.