Article Details
  • Published Online:
    April  2025
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of International Relations
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJIR010425
  • DOI:
    10.71329/IUPJIR/2025.19.2.7-30
  • Author Name:
    Muhammed Sahal
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Arts and Humanities
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    7-30
Volume 19, Issue 2, April 2025
Oman’s Mediator Role in Middle Eastern Diplomacy: The Legacy and Future Prospects
Abstract

The Sultanate of Oman, once considered among the most underdeveloped nations in the Middle East, has transformed significantly across various spheres in the last century. The country’s emergence as a noteworthy nation in the Middle East encompasses advancements in its economy, politics, international relations, and sociocultural interactions. Notably, Oman has assumed a crucial role as a mediator in the Middle East and Gulf region, gaining prominence particularly for its pivotal involvement in the successful conclusion of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which significantly bolstered its image as a peacemaker. This paper aims to assess Oman’s interplay in the region and its effectiveness based on secondary data and reports. Oman stands out as the most democratic among the Arab Gulf nations and has achieved an impressive eighth place globally for healthcare standards, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, its consistent ranking within the top 10 nations worldwide for university graduation rates underscores its dedication to education and intellectual progress. Noteworthy is Oman’s recognition as the safest nation globally for expatriates, a testament to its hospitable and secure environment. The Sultanate of Oman’s commendable policy of non-interference in foreign affairs, coupled with its amicable stance towards all nations, continues to enhance its reputation as a beacon of diplomacy and cooperation on the international stage. This paper seeks to delve into Oman’s multifaceted contributions in the region, analyzing its effectiveness and impact through a comprehensive review of secondary data sources.

Introduction

The Sultanate of Oman, situated in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, has undergone profound transformations over the years. Historically, Oman was seen as one of the more underdeveloped nations in the Middle East. However, the modern era of Oman’s development traces its origins to the reign of Sultan Qaboos