Latest news with #BadrAlBusaidi
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
No plans for new US nuclear talks, says Iran's FM
Iran's foreign minister denied his country was set to resume nuclear talks with the US after the end of a deadly 12-day war with Israel. Nuclear talks were under way when Israel launched attacks on Iran on June 13, derailing the process aimed at achieving a new deal. US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between the two foes on Tuesday, and the next day said Washington would pick up talks with Tehran "next week." But Abbas Araghchi labelled that as "speculation" and shut down the prospect of Iran returning to the table. "No agreement has been made to restart negotiations, and there has not even been talk of negotiations. There is no point in negotiating now," the top diplomat said. "We have an experience where America betrayed us in the middle of negotiations," he said of the US involvement in Israel's war in Iran. A sixth round of nuclear talks had been scheduled but were cancelled when the war started two days before. Mr Araghchi stated that "diplomacy still exists" and that messages continued to be exchanged between both sides but that Iran was still weighing whether it should return to the table. He highlighted the role of the Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi, the mediator of the five rounds of talks, saying he had done his best to "actively mediate between the two sides." The foreign minister said the nuclear issue had become more difficult to negotiate because of the war. "The situation has completely changed and it is not possible to reach an agreement as easily as in the past." Iran retaliated to the US strikes by launching an attack on Washington's largest air base in the region - Al Udeid. Qatar intercepted the majority of the missiles and no damage was caused as the base had been emptied. It also condemned the Iranian attack on its territory. "Iran's recent attack on US military bases in the region was merely a response to the US threat and not against neighbouring Arab countries," Mr Aragchi said. "After the attack, countries like Qatar were upset, which is natural but we emphasised that this reaction was direct at America." Qatar revealed it helped broker the ceasefire announced by Mr Trump. He called on Israel to respect the truce and said "third parties" had been instructed to pass on the message that "Iran is not Lebanon" and Tehran would not tolerate a resumption in hostilities. "I clearly said tell them that Iran is not Lebanon and if they violate the ceasefire, we will respond." Israel has continued its bombardment of Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah in November. It has also violated previous truce agreements in the Gaza Strip by resuming attacks. Hostilities were close to breaking out just hours after Mr Trump announced the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, with the former accusing the latter of violating the agreement by launching missiles. Tehran was quick to issue a denial but Israel still launched a limited strike on Tehran. Mr Trump then issued several strong-worded statements calling on both sides, particularly Israel, for restraint. Damage to nuclear sites As the truce holds and fighting has come to an end, questions have emerged on the state of Iran's nuclear programme in the aftermath of US strikes and the war with Israel. Mr Trump and his administration are furious after a preliminary assessment leaked to the presss suggested the attacks may not have fully destroyed Iran's nuclear facilities. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday said US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites had been "a resounding success', angrily pushing back against the 'fake news' media for questioning how effective the attacks were. Mr Araghchi said "the damage has not been small and is being assessed," a stark difference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who said Mr Trump had "exaggerated" the outcome of the strikes which had "done nothing significant" to Iran's nuclear infrastructure. "The damages, in general, are assessed as high and serious," Mr Araghchi said, adding that Iran had was not planning on allowing back inspectors, rejecting the UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi's request to travel to Tehran. "We currently do not have a building to receive Grossi," he said. The war has further strained Iran's relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency which it blamed for fuelling unease about its nuclear activities. Iran's parliament approved a bill on Wednesday to suspend co-operation with the IAEA. The decision was approved on Thursday by the Guardian Council, a panel of clerics and jurists that vets legislation. Mr Araghchi said the decision was legally binding.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
HM receives written message from Custodian of Two Holy Mosques
Muscat -- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik today received a written message from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, dealing with bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. The message was handed over to Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, when he received Ibrahim Saad Bishan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting touched on ways to enhance relations between the two countries in political, economic, investment and cultural fields.
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Oman continues diplomatic efforts to contain escalation of Israel-Iran conflict
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman continues its diligent diplomatic efforts to contain the unprecedented escalation resulting from Israel's military aggression against Iran, which has ignited the current regional tension. Oman has reaffirmed its steadfast position rejecting military escalation and violations of state sovereignty, emphasizing that the only way to address the crisis lies in a serious return to the diplomatic path, aiming to reach a just agreement and save the region from an abyss with unknown consequences that could impact the entire world. In this context, His Excellency Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, held phone calls on Wednesday with his Russian and Chinese counterparts as part of a series of calls with various brotherly and friendly countries. The discussions focused on the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stressing that Israel is the aggressor, violatin UN Carter and obstructing peace efforts, including the recent American-Iranian negotiations aimed at preventing nuclear proliferation. The ministers agreed that a military solution is ineffective and that achieving an early ceasefire would pave the way for a return to the negotiating table to address the nuclear issue in a manner that ensures stability and peace for all. During the call, the Minister and His Excellency Sergey Lavrov agreed that this unprecedented escalation violates United Nations Charter, renewing their call for an immediate halt to these attacks and their expansion, as well as refraining from targeting nuclear facilities to prevent the risks of nuclear radiation. The Russian Minister also expressed his country's deep appreciation for Oman's mediation efforts, affirming the Russian Federation's support for these negotiations, diplomatic channels, political solutions, and their utmost importance in establishing international peace and security. On the other hand, His Excellency Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister, emphasized that the nuclear issue cannot be resolved outside the scope of diplomatic efforts and that Israel's attacks on Iranian territory constitute a clear and blatant violation of UN Charter and the principles of international law. He also affirmed his agreement with Oman's position and highly valued the Sultanate's tireless efforts to promote peace and facilitate negotiation pathways. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Oman steps up diplomatic push to ease regional tensions
Muscat – Oman has intensified its diplomatic efforts to contain the ongoing escalation in the region and prevent the spread of tensions triggered by repeated Israeli aggression. These efforts are guided by Oman's consistent foreign policy approach, which is rooted in constructive dialogue, adherence to international law, and the pursuit of peaceful solutions as the cornerstone of regional security and stability. Reflecting its strategic vision and credibility as a trusted mediator, Oman participated in the 48th Extraordinary Session of the GCC Ministerial Council, held on Monday. H E Sayyid Badr al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, led the sultanate's delegation at the session, which was convened to address the rapidly evolving regional developments. In a joint statement issued following the meeting, the GCC condemned the Israeli attacks on Iranian territory, describing them as a clear violation of national sovereignty and international law. The Council called for urgent de-escalation and the resumption of diplomatic negotiations. The statement also commended Oman's ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue, particularly on the Iranian nuclear file, which remains a critical component of regional stability. In parallel with the Council's deliberations, H E Sayyid Badr continued intensive telephone consultations with counterparts from several countries, as well as key international stakeholders. These included discussions with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission. The consultations focused on aligning international positions and strengthening political and legal pressure to immediately halt Israeli attacks. They also explored avenues to revive comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring regional stability and averting the risks of further military escalation.
The National
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Houthis consider resuming strikes on US targets to back Iran
Yemen's Houthi rebels are considering resuming strikes on US targets in the Middle East and intensifying attacks on Israel in support of Iran, Yemeni security sources said on Sunday. The sources, based in Sanaa and Beirut, told The National that the group's leadership is considering the escalation in response to the US's apparent military support for Israel. "The Yemeni [Houthi] leadership may resort to escalating its confrontation against aggression in the region," said one of the sources. "There is information that Israeli aircraft are using US carriers in the northern Red Sea to launch attacks on Iran, and that refuelling is being conducted in the skies over northern Syria and northern Iraq." Another source said: "The Houthis are seeing the US again as a legitimate target now." Last month, US President Donald Trump said the Iran-backed Houthis 'capitulated' and that America would stop striking the rebels after they agreed to cease attacking ships in the Red Sea. Badr Al Busaidi, Oman's Foreign Minister, confirmed later that efforts to de-escalate the situation caused by the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, had resulted in a ceasefire between the two sides. However, the recent Israeli offensive against Iran could prompt the rebels to resume attacks on US forces in solidarity with Tehran, which has come under Israeli fire since Friday and responded with missile strikes on Israel. Taking advantage On Sunday, the Yemeni rebels claimed to have launched missiles at Israel in co-ordination with Iran, in the first acknowledged military action in support of Tehran by one of its regional proxies since the start of Israeli attacks. The Houthis launched ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv in the previous 24 hours, the group's spokesman Brig Gen Yahya Saree said in an announcement reported by the rebel-aligned Saba news agency. The region is braced for a protracted conflict after Israel's surprise bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites killed several senior generals and nuclear scientists. Iran responded by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles at Iran, and neither side has shown any sign of backing down. The Houthis, along with Hezbollah in Lebanon, began launching drone and missile attacks on Israel after the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. Hezbollah was once considered Iran's first line of defence against Israeli attacks, but Israel's retaliatory strikes against the group last year killed its political and military leaders and largely destroyed its arsenal. Lebanese officials have urged Hezbollah not to respond to the Israeli attacks on Iran and the group has assured them it would not, security sources told The National on Saturday. Iran-backed groups in Iraq, who also launched attacks on Israel over the war in Gaza, have responded to the attacks on Iran by calling for the accelerated departure of US troops from the country, with the powerful Kataib Hezbollah warning of 'additional wars in the region'. Israel has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes on Houthi-held areas in Yemen in recent months. "It is not unlikely that Yemen's attacks will expand if Israel's escalating crimes against our people – including against Iran – are not stopped. Israel brings ruin to the entire region, without exception. Isn't it likely that Israel will target Iraq next?," said one of the sources close to thinking of the Houthi rebels. "It is only natural that the Yemenis take advantage of Israel being preoccupied with facing waves of Iranian strikes," added the source. "Applying pressure on the Israeli entity from multiple directions, fronts, and avenues, militarily, politically, and economically, helps deter the Israeli government and its crimes across the region."
