TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi began a two-day visit to Oman on Sunday, where he was scheduled to attend the annual Muscat Forum and hold individual consultations with diplomats and international dignitaries.
The Muscat Forum focuses on strengthening mediation and diplomacy. This year it was held in collaboration with the Geneva-based Center for Humanitarian Dialogue and the foreign ministries of Oman and Norway.
Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart Saeed Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi on Sunday, the first diplomatic exchange of his visit. According to an official statement posted on the Iranian Foreign Minister’s Telegram channel, the discussion focused on bilateral relations and exploring ways to strengthen cooperation in light of ongoing regional developments.
“The two leaders discussed expanding ties and cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, with a particular focus on the economic and commercial sectors,” the statement said.
The two officials also exchanged views on regional issues, highlighting Israel’s continued genocide in the Gaza Strip and Israel’s persistent warmongering and crimes against Lebanon and other countries in the region.
Araghchi concluded his remarks by expressing Iran’s appreciation for Oman’s efforts and efforts on Iran’s nuclear file and outlining the latest developments on the issue.
In a post on the X account, the Omani foreign minister wrote that he had consulted with the Iranian side in bilateral relations and emphasized close cooperation in various fields based on mutual interests.
“The two sides also exchanged views on the development of the regional and international situation, especially efforts towards de-escalating tensions in the region and supporting diplomatic channels to address crises. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing coordination and consultations between the two countries to contribute to establishing regional security and stability and supporting peace and development efforts,” the post further reads.
On Monday, Araghchi met with David Haaland, executive director of the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, and three senior officials from the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue on the sidelines of the Muscat Forum in Oman.
During the meeting, Iran’s top diplomat condemned America’s aggressive unilateralism and the ongoing acts of aggression and crimes committed by the Israeli regime in the West Asian region.
The two sides also discussed the existing challenges and dangers facing international peace and security in light of international trends and developments, particularly serious violations of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Mr. Araghchi stressed that confronting the United States and Israel’s violations requires responsible and effective action by all governments and international civil society to safeguard the achievements of human civilization and uphold peace and the rule of law.
Ms. Haaland outlined her views on the importance of strengthening diplomacy as the only effective means of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
Another meeting was attended by Hans Grundberg, the UN special envoy to Yemen. Mr. Araghchi and Mr. Grundberg spoke about recent developments in Arab countries, and the envoy called for Iran’s continued support for UN-led peace efforts.
The UN envoy briefed the Iranian side on the latest political and humanitarian developments related to Yemen.
Mr. Grundberg called for Iran’s continued support for United Nations efforts aimed at improving the situation in Arab countries and promoting peace processes.
During the meeting, Araghchi reiterated his condemnation of continued Israeli attacks across the region and continued blockade and sanctions against Yemen. He warned that Israel’s violations pose serious risks to regional security and stability.