Russia, Oman urge diplomacy on Iran after Muscat talks

2026-02-08 - 21:25

The two senior diplomats exchanged views on the outcomes of the Friday discussions in Muscat, which occurred against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions. According to a Russian Foreign Ministry statement, both ministers concurred on "the need to facilitate the continuation of the negotiation process with the aim of reaching mutually acceptable agreements." Oman's key mediating role praised Minister Lavrov specifically commended Oman's efforts in facilitating regional diplomacy. “Sergey Lavrov highly praised the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman’s leadership in this regard,” the official statement noted. Oman has long served as a neutral intermediary in the Gulf, using its discreet diplomacy to broker talks on complex issues like the Iran nuclear program. Context of regional tensions The diplomatic consultations come after weeks of increased military activity by the United States in Persian Gulf waters near Iran, raising concerns over potential confrontation. The indirect talks in Muscat, focused on the future of Iran's nuclear program, concluded on Friday with the possibility of further sessions in the near future. The path forward for negotiations The joint emphasis from Russia and Oman on sustaining dialogue underscores a shared priority for diplomatic solutions over escalation. This high-level support is seen as crucial for maintaining the momentum of the negotiation process and seeking stable, long-term agreements for regional security.