Oman resists US pressure to break ties with Iran over strait of Hormuz

Oman is resisting US pressure to break its links with Iran , and insists it has only been negotiating with Tehran on a future management system for the strait of Hormuz that would be compliant with international law. The aim would be to implement any regime after consulting the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO). Traditionally Oman , a longtime US ally that shares stewardship of the strait, has adopted the role of a back-channel mediator allowing it to remain neutral in disputes that have led to fissures in other parts of the Gulf. Its neutrality has limits. It is highly critical of Israel’s disdain for international law, and on Wednesday issued a statement condemning the Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. But Donald Trump last week, in off-the-cuff remarks, threw Oman into the spotlight by threatening to bomb the sultanate, and in giving evidence to the Senate foreign affairs committee on Tuesday the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, confirmed US suspicions about Oman . He said: “There isn’t a country on Earth other than Iran – and maybe Oman that flirted with it – who’s in favour of what Iran is doing in the straits.” Oman has tried to avoid becoming involved in an official slanging match with Trump. …