https://www.middleeastmonitor.com Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:42:37 +0000 en-GB Middle East Monitor 30 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com 32 32 116394717 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230727-qatar-and-oman-support-palestine-with-written-statements-to-icj/ Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:00:59 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=655581 Qatar and Oman announced on Wednesday that they have submitted written statements to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in support of the Palestinian position, Wafa news agency has reported. According to Qatar, the ICJ must conclude that Israel's obligations under international law require it to cease its unlawful occupation immediately. It also said that Israel has to provide full compensation for the damage and suffering caused by its occupation. Oman noted that it submitted its written statement in support of the diplomatic and legal steps taken by the State of Palestine, which is seeking an advisory opinion from the ICJ regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands. READ: Palestine hands over written submissions against Israeli occupation […]]]> 655581 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230724-man-tests-positive-for-mers-in-abu-dhabi-near-oman-border-who/ Mon, 24 Jul 2023 20:06:01 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654901 A 28-year-old man has tested positive for the potentially fatal Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a city in Abu Dhabi on the border with Oman, the World Health Organisation said on Monday, Reuters reports. The man in the city of Al Ain was admitted to hospital last month, the WHO said in a statement. Health officials had checked 108 people that he was in contact with, but no secondary infections had turned up so far, it added. The WHO said there were no signs the man had come into contact with dromedary camels, which spread the disease that is separate from COVID-19. It gave no more details on his current condition. The United Arab Emirates' Health Ministry did […]]]> 654901 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230720-iran-says-oman-presented-some-initiatives-for-revival-of-nuclear-pact/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 18:23:45 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=654214 Iran's Foreign Minister claims there are 'initiatives' being discussed in the nuclear negotiations following discussions with his Omani counterpart in Tehran, Iran International reports. According to the report, the primary objective of Omani Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi's visit was to deliberate the JCPOA and further explore the 'initiatives' put forth by the Omani side, in pursuit of resolving the nuclear agreement's impasse, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian revealed in a statement on Wednesday. The unanticipated visit of Oman's senior diplomat sparked media speculation regarding the fate of the JCPOA revival talks, the report added. Since 2016, Oman has played a crucial role as a mediator between Iran and the United States in the nuclear negotiations, exemplified by the recent indirect talks reported between Tehran […]]]> 654214 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230710-oman-air-chelsea-fc-sign-3-year-sponsorship-deal/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:10:18 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=651023 Oman Air, the flag carrier of Oman, has entered into a three-year sponsorship deal with Chelsea Football Club, becoming the team's global airline partner. The agreement signed last week coincided with the national carrier's 30th anniversary and is the airline's first-ever Premier League club partnership. According to Arabian Business, the aspects of the partnership will include specially designed co-branded livery, which will be unveiled towards the end of the year, as well as joint promotional content and CSR campaigns. "We are extremely proud of this valuable collaboration, which not only celebrates the love for football but also presents a remarkable opportunity to showcase the beauty, culture and hospitality of Oman to Chelsea's extensive fan base," Oman Air CEO Abdulaziz Al-Raisi said. Preparing […]]]> 651023 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230708-israel-us-plan-trade-corridor-connecting-israel-with-gulf-states/ Sat, 08 Jul 2023 11:10:39 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650524 Israel and the US have been working on a secret plan to build a trade land bridge connecting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel, Israel's Ynet News revealed on Friday. This land bridge will lead from Dubai to Israel's seaports in Haifa, Ynet News disclosed, noting it is intended to export goods from the East to Europe through Israel and later for tourist movement. According to Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post, the plan was drafted by Shira Greenberg, the chief economist of the Finance Ministry during the former government of Yair Lapid. Trucks will be able to transport goods through this trade corridor, significantly reducing transportation costs and time. The idea is to enable the arrival […]]]> 650524 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230707-oman-foreign-minister-arrives-in-palestine-west-bank/ Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:02:37 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650404 Omani Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, on Friday arrived in Ramallah city of the central West Bank in Palestine, Anadolu Agency reports. Albusaidi was received at the Palestinian presidency by Foreign Minister, Riyad Al-Maliki and Diplomatic Advisor to President, Majdi Khaldi, according to the official Palestinian news agency, Wafa. The Omani Minister is expected to meet with Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, to convey a message from Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, and to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, reaffirming the Sultanate's unwavering support for the Palestinian people. The Palestinian and Omani foreign ministers will hold a joint press conference before Albusaidi leaves Ramallah. READ: Minister: $16m needed to rebuild Jenin after Israel aggression]]> 650404 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230706-oman-reaffirms-support-for-moroccos-territorial-claims-over-western-sahara/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:20:11 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650172 Oman has declared its "unwavering" support for Morocco's territorial integrity, which includes the kingdom's long-standing claims of sovereignty over the disputed Western Sahara. On Tuesday, the sultanate announced its backing for the Moroccan autonomy plan, describing it as a "serious, realistic and credible" initiative and a "basis for resolving the issue" of territory. Muscat's position was expressed in a joint statement at the end of the 6th session of the Moroccan-Omani Joint Commission, which was co-chaired by Morocco's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bouritam and his Omani counterpart, Badr Bin Hamad Bin Hamoud Al-Busaidi. READ: Oman FM in talks with Israel to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque In addition to declaring Oman's support for Rabat's territorial claims, the sultanate expressed its appreciation for "the wisdom of the Moroccan leadership […]]]> 650172 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230706-iran-orders-seizure-of-foreign-tanker-claiming-collision-in-sea-of-oman/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:41:20 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650165 Iranian judicial authorities have ordered that a foreign-flagged tanker that allegedly ran into an Iranian vessel in the Sea of Oman be impounded for violation of maritime rules, state media reported on Thursday, Anadolu Agency reports. A Bahamas-flagged oil tanker, "Richmond Voyager", reportedly collided with an Iranian vessel in the Sea of Oman on Tuesday, causing injuries to the seven-member Iranian crew and flooding the vessel. Iran's state media cited judicial authorities in the southern Hormozgan province as saying that the foreign vessel left the scene after the accident "in violation of international maritime rules and regulations". The owner of the Iranian vessel thereafter contacted naval authorities and demanded the seizure of the Bahamas-flagged vessel through a judicial order, Iranian […]]]> 650165 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-elevation-of-turkiye-egypt-diplomatic-ties-wins-arab-plaudits/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:04:52 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=650029 Several Arab countries have welcomed the elevation of diplomatic relations between Turkiye and Egypt for the first time in a decade, Anadolu Agency reports. On Tuesday, Ankara and Cairo upgraded their diplomatic relations to the ambassadorial level. Turkiye nominated Salih Mutlu Sen as its new ambassador to Cairo, while Egypt named Amr El Hamamy as ambassador to Ankara, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed the move, saying it "will be positively reflected on enhancing security and peace at the regional and international levels and serving common interests, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the countries and people of the region." The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also hailed the elevation of the […]]]> 650029 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230705-shots-fired-at-oil-tanker-in-gulf-maritime-security-bodies/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:46:16 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=649991 Shots were fired at a tanker in sensitive Gulf waters on Wednesday, but the vessel and crew are safe, a British maritime security body said, the latest incident in a series of seizures or attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf since 2019, Reuters reports. The vessel was located off the coast of the Omani capital, Muscat, when the shots were fired on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), part of the Royal Navy, said in a report of a suspicious approach. Maritime security company, Ambrey, said the ship was a Bahamas-flagged oil tanker, which was Greek-owned and US-managed. Refintiv ship tacking data shows the "Richmond Voyager", a very large crude carrier managed by Chevron, matching the position […]]]> 649991 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230627-oman-fm-in-talks-with-israel-to-visit-al-aqsa-mosque/ Tue, 27 Jun 2023 11:15:22 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=647628 Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi is reportedly in talks with the Israeli Foreign Ministry to coordinate a visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, according to Israel's i24NEWS. The Omani diplomat's planned trip, which is scheduled in the coming weeks, will also include a visit to Ramallah in the occupied West Bank where the Palestinian Authority (PA) is based. The report cited sources familiar with the matter, who revealed that as part of the negotiations, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen is attempting to set up a rare meeting with Albusaidi, although it hasn't been confirmed if Albusaidi will give his consent to the high level meeting and where it would take place. Talks between Muscat and Tel Aviv come amid growing […]]]> 647628 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230621-iran-foreign-minister-holds-talks-with-houthi-leader-in-oman/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:55:28 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=646398 Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abollahian, held talks with chief Houthi negotiator, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, in the Omani capital, Muscat, Anadolu Agency reports. Talks between the two sides covered the latest developments in war-torn Yemen, Iran's state news agency, IRNA, reported. The Houthi-run Al-Masirah television said the meeting was held at the Iranian Embassy in Muscat late Tuesday. It, however, did not provide any details about the content of the talks. Iran is a main backer of Yemen's Houthi group, which over-ran much of Yemen, including the capital, Sana'a, in 2014. Amir-Abollahian is currently visiting Oman as part of a Gulf tour that already took him to Qatar, where he held talks with Qatari officials. Yemen has begun to witness a state […]]]> 646398 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230620-bangladesh-signs-new-long-term-lng-deal-with-oman/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 11:39:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=645949 Bangladesh has signed a new long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) deal with Oman to import more LNG from the Gulf state. Under the agreement, Petrobangla – which is state-owned by Bangladesh – will receive up to 1.5 million tonnes per annum of LNG from Oman's OQ Trading over ten years from 2026. Said Al-Maawali, executive director of the OQ and Ruchira Islam, board secretary of Petrobangla, signed the new deal in Dhaka yesterday. The Omani firm will supply four cargoes of LNG in 2026, 16 cargoes of LNG per year from 2027 to 2028 and 24 cargo LNG per year from 2029 to 2035. The sultanate has been providing the south Asian country with one million tonnes of LNG per […]]]> 645949 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230619-oman-sets-conditions-for-full-normalisation-with-israel/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 08:05:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=645462 Oman has set its conditions for full and official normalisation of ties with the occupation state of Israel, Sama news agency reported yesterday. Quoting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Al-Busaidi, Sama said the creation of an independent Palestinian state is a prerequisite for the normalisation of ties with Israel, noting that Oman's neutrality "is not negative, but positive, constructive and proactive." Al-Busaidi reiterated that Oman "is open in its relations with Israel," stressing that "this is not at the expense of closing the door in the face of the Palestinians." The minister stated that any agreement with Israel "must be complete and recognises the State of Palestine." He also said that his country is ready to help advance the peace process, "but when […]]]> 645462 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230615-oman-fm-iran-us-close-to-deal-on-release-of-american-prisoners/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 18:36:10 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=645031 Iran and the United States are reportedly on the verge of a significant prisoner release agreement, amid the recent revival in nuclear talks between Tehran and world powers. In an interview with the news outlet, Al-Monitor, yesterday, Oman's Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, said he senses "seriousness" from both the US and Iran surrounding talks to agree on a nuclear deal, and that the two are close to striking an agreement on the release of American prisoners from Iran. The American prisoners – Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi and Morad Tahbaz – have been detained in the notorious Evin Prison in the Iranian capital, Tehran, since between 2015 and 2020, on charges of espionage. As part of the talks, according to a US […]]]> 645031 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230612-iran-saudi-arabia-ties-what-comes-next-after-smooth-restart/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 18:00:56 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=644162 Less than three months after agreeing to restore diplomatic ties, long-time regional rivals, Iran and Saudi Arabia, have recently taken another significant step toward full reconciliation. In the presence of senior officials from both sides, the Iranian Embassy in the affluent diplomatic enclave in north-western Riyadh was re-opened last week, seven years after it was locked down. A day later, Iran's Consulate-General and its permanent mission to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the port city of Jeddah were also re-opened. The Consulate-General in Jeddah had been active ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, but a formal re-opening took place on Wednesday in the presence of Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Alireza Begdali, and other officials. Although Saudi Arabia is […]]]> 644162 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230610-us-iranian-officials-hold-indirect-meetings-in-oman/ Sat, 10 Jun 2023 09:56:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643919 American and Iranian officials held indirect talks in Oman last month, Israeli journalist Barak Ravid reported to American news website Axios on Friday. Ravid reported from three sources saying that the two sides sat in separate rooms and exchanged messages through Omani officials. The sources, according to Ravid, said the US made it clear that Iran will pay a heavy price if it moves forward with 90 per cent uranium enrichment — the level needed to produce a nuclear weapon. Last week, Axios revealed that White House Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk traveled to Oman secretly on 8 May for talks with Omani officials on possible diplomatic outreach to Iran regarding its nuclear program. Ravid's sources said that an Iranian delegation […]]]> 643919 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230609-india-france-uae-conclude-first-joint-maritime-drill-in-gulf-of-oman/ Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:23:54 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643915 India, France and the United Arab Emirates have concluded the first-ever trilateral maritime exercise this week, the Indian Defence Ministry said on Friday, Anadolu Agency reports. The trilateral cooperation "achieved another milestone in history" as the exercise, which was held on 7-8 June, concluded, the Ministry said. During the maiden edition of the exercise, "a wide spectrum of operations at sea such as surface warfare involving tactical firing … drills for replenishment at sea should be done by the participating units," said the statement. "The exercise also saw cross embarkation of personnel that facilitated exchange of best practices," it added. The drill has further "strengthened the maritime ties between the navies and enhanced interoperability to address traditional and non-traditional threats […]]]> 643915 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230608-us-gulf-cooperation-council-say-no-military-solution-in-sudan/ Thu, 08 Jun 2023 12:43:41 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643442 The foreign ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stressed in a meeting that there is no military solution to the ongoing fighting in Sudan, Anadolu Agency reports. The statement was made following their meeting held in Saudi Arabia late Wednesday, according to the Council, which is made up of six Arab countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. The statement also stressed the Council's support to diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia and the US to achieve a cease-fire in Sudan and to allow access to humanitarian aid without obstacles. READ: Sudan rivals resume ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia "Responding to the latest crisis in Sudan, we're continuing […]]]> 643442 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230607-iran-to-access-24bn-in-frozen-assets/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:21:42 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643056 Iran is to get access to $24 billion of its frozen assets, including more than $10bn in Iraq and $7bn in South Korea, ISNA reported yesterday. The agency said that the development came after the visit of the Sultan of Oman, Haitham Bin Tariq, to Iran, and the visit of US President Joe Biden's senior advisor for the Middle East, Brett McGurk, to Muscat. Tehran will also gain access to $6.7bn of its special drawing rights in the International Monetary Fund as a result of the recent talks between the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Mohammad Reza Farzin, and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Washington. The US Axios news site revealed recently that McGurk had visited Oman […]]]> 643056 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230607-uk-announces-major-visa-change-for-gulf-countries-to-boost-weak-economy/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:33:24 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=643052 The UK government has announced major changes to visa requirements for the six countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan. Nationals of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, UAE and Jordan will be offered an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) lasting two years for just £10 ($12), according to a report in Arabian Business. The change will mean that Gulf travellers and Jordanians will have entry requirements in line with citizens of the US and Australia. READ UK-GCC partnership 'post-Brexit priority,' says MP Under the previous system, nationals from the seven Arab countries had to apply for a £30 ($37) document for every separate visit. The new system announced by the UK government yesterday will require them to pay […]]]> 643052 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230606-peace-in-gulf-region-vital-says-china-as-iran-saudi-uae-mull-naval-alliance/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 12:32:30 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642820 In an apparent approval of reports that Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman were forming a joint naval group with China, Beijing has said peace and stability of the Gulf region was of "vital importance to safeguarding world peace", Anadolu Agency reports. Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, said in a news briefing in Beijing on Monday: "Upholding the peace and stability of the Gulf region in the Middle East bears on the well-being of countries and people in the region and is of vital importance to safeguarding world peace, boosting global economic growth and keeping energy supply stable." He was reacting to reports that Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Persian Gulf states […]]]> 642820 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230605-opec-extend-production-cuts-until-the-end-of-2024/ Mon, 05 Jun 2023 10:28:43 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=642552 Members of the OPEC+ alliance yesterday agreed to implement a voluntary cut in oil production until the end of 2024 instead of the previous date scheduled for the end of 2023. The members said in a statement that the voluntary cut is in addition to a mandatory cut of 1.4 million barrels per day, which will start early next year and continue for a full year. The countries that announced a voluntary cut are: Saudi Arabia by 500,000 barrels per day, Russia by 500,000 barrels per day, and the UAE by 144,000 barrels per day. Likewise, Iraq will reduce its production by 211,000 barrels per day, the Sultanate of Oman by 40,000 and Algeria by 48,000 barrels per day. Saudi […]]]> 642552 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230602-yemens-houthis-threaten-to-attack-saudi-ports-if-talks-fail/ Fri, 02 Jun 2023 07:41:52 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=641988 Yemen's Houthi group yesterday threatened to return to military escalation and resume attacks on economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, in response to Riyadh's failure to settle the humanitarian issue in the negotiations between the two parties, Russian news agency Sputnik reported on its Arabic website. The Iran-backed Yemeni group's TV station, Al-Masirah TV, cited Lieutenant General Jalal Al-Ruwaishan, deputy head of the National Salvation Government, as saying, "There is no Saudi response until now for settling the humanitarian issue after [the month of] Ramadan's negotiations." "Our assessment is that they are buying time," he added. "As they stand, the ongoing negotiations with the Saudi side, mediated by Oman, continue to be attempts to achieve peace, which were positively met by Sanaa." The Houthi official […]]]> 641988 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230601-oman-launches-plans-for-first-smart-city/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 14:57:25 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=641946 The Sultan of Oman Haitham Bin Tarik yesterday presided over the launch ceremony for a new city bearing his name, which is set to be the sultanate's first smart city. During the event held at Al-Baraka Palace, themed "Treasure the Future", the sultan was briefed about the project of the planned Sultan Haitham City. A presentation also showcased a model of the city, which will be developed in the wilayat of Seeb, several kilometres northwest of Muscat. ?Sultan Haitham City is a visionary project that represents a legacy for the future, gifted to the youth by His Majesty the Sultan. It is the first smart city in Oman and serves as a blueprint for upcoming urban developments. The city fosters […]]]> 641946 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230601-oman-unveils-monument-dedicated-to-chinese-muslim-admiral-zheng-he/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:07:05 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=641896 A monument honouring the famed 15th century Chinese Muslim admiral, Zheng He, was unveiled in Oman's Dhofar governorate yesterday. The ten-metre tall monument located in the coastal city of Salalah depicts a Chinese treasure ship, the largest vessels in He's fleet, which dwarfed European ships at the time. It was constructed using 3D print technology. Symbolising the traditional friendship between Muscat and Beijing, it is the result of a collaboration between the Chinese embassy and Oman's Foreign Ministry. Speaking at the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Oman, Li Lingping, said: "Zheng He's voyages to the Western Ocean fostered friendly exchanges between ancient China and the countries along the Indian Ocean coast. These voyages facilitated economic, trade, and cultural ties between China […]]]> 641896 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230531-omani-designers-display-their-latest-trends-in-muscat-fashion-fair-2023/ Wed, 31 May 2023 11:58:59 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=641222 OPINION: Saudi artist Hawazin Alotaibi rethinks gender norms and masculinity in the Gulf]]> 641222 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230530-khamenei-iran-welcomes-restoration-of-egypt-relations/ Tue, 30 May 2023 11:12:43 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=640636 Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed that his country "welcomes" any possibility to restore relations with Egypt and has "no problem with it", Iranian state television reported on Monday. This came during a meeting held in the capital, Tehran, with Sultan of Oman Haitham Bin Tariq, who is visiting the country for the first time since taking office in 2020. The visit also coincides with Muscat's success in mediating a prisoner exchange deal between Iran and Belgium. On Friday, Iranian television announced that Iranian diplomat Assadollah Assadi, who was serving a prison sentence in Belgium, had been released. Meanwhile, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo confirmed that Belgian aid worker Olivier Vandecasteele "will return to Belgium" under the deal. There […]]]> 640636 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230528-omans-sultan-in-iran-for-talks-on-diplomatic-security-issues/ Sun, 28 May 2023 15:00:50 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=640228 Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said arrived in Tehran on Sunday for a two-day visit expected to focus on regional diplomatic and security issues, Iranian state media reported, two days after Muscat mediated a prisoner swap between Iran and Belgium, reports Reuters. Oman has long been an interlocutor for the West with Iran and has mediated the release of several foreign citizens and dual nationals. On Friday, Oman helped secure the release of a Belgian aid worker, who was arrested in 2022 and sentenced to 40 years in prison and 74 lashes on charges including spying, in exchange for an Iranian diplomat sentenced to 20 years in prison in connection with a failed bomb plot in France. But dozens of foreigners and dual nationals […]]]> 640228 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230527-omani-disabled-man-pushes-boundaries-by-diving-into-deep-waters/ Sat, 27 May 2023 10:16:08 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=640120 READ: Oman mediates prisoner swap between Iran, Belgium]]> 640120 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230526-oman-mediates-prisoner-swap-between-iran-belgium/ Fri, 26 May 2023 17:14:21 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=640027 An Iranian-Belgian prisoner swap agreement had been reached under the auspices of the Sultanate of Oman, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday, Anadolu Agency reports. "In line with the directives of His Majesty, Sultan Hait bin Tarik, to fulfil the requests of the sides of the Iranian and Belgian compliance to assist in resolving the issue of detained citizens in both countries, the Omani efforts have resulted in an agreement between the two for a mutual exchange deal," the Omani Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "The individuals who were released have been transported from Tehran and Brussels to Muscat today, Friday, 26 May, 2023, in preparation for their return to their respective countries," the Ministry added. […]]]> 640027 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230526-if-iran-exports-gas-to-europe-it-will-go-through-turkiye/ Fri, 26 May 2023 13:37:15 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639972 The General Manager of the National Iranian Gas Company, Majid Jakini, said that if his country exports natural gas to Europe, it will be done through Turkiye. This came in statements to the Iranian Labour News Agency yesterday about Tehran's future approach regarding the country's natural gas exports. He added: "If we export natural gas to Europe, it will be through Turkiye." He pointed out that Pakistan, Afghanistan and Oman want Iranian natural gas and that negotiations are on their agenda, but the infrastructure needed to sign contracts with some of these countries is not yet ready. READ: Iran says it has successfully test-launched ballistic missile]]> 639972 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230525-resuming-relations-with-iran-will-be-a-test-for-egypt-sovereignty/ Thu, 25 May 2023 08:00:21 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=639307 The latest diplomatic developments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are looking positive for peace and prosperity. Iran and Saudi Arabia have re-established relations as part of a Chinese-brokered agreement, Syria has returned to the Arab League and also resumed ties with Riyadh, while the Kingdom has also informally acknowledged the legitimacy of the de-facto (Houthi-led) Yemeni government based in Sana'a through holding direct peace talks there. Amid the easing of tensions between the two regional rivals, there have been reports that Iran is also looking to improve relations with Egypt and that Iraq and Oman have been facilitating talks between the two countries. This is significant as, while both Sana'a and Damascus are closely aligned with […]]]> 639307 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230523-egypt-oman-ink-deal-to-avoid-double-taxation/ Tue, 23 May 2023 09:49:51 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638596 Egypt and the Sultanate of Oman yesterday signed an agreement and a memorandum of understanding on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of income and capital tax evasion, the Oman News Agency reported. This came on the sidelines of the Sultan of Oman, Haitham Bin Tarik's visit to Cairo. The two sides have also signed an MoU on cooperation on financial policies and developments. The agreement and the MoU were signed by the Egyptian Minister of Finance, Mohamed Maait, and his Omani counterpart, Sultan Bin Salem Al-Habsi, on the sidelines of the Egyptian-Omani Business Forum. Al- Habsi affirmed that his country is keen "to build a solid partnership in the strategic economic sectors of interest to both countries, as […]]]> 638596 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230522-oman-mufti-urges-islamic-nation-to-support-palestinian-resistance/ Mon, 22 May 2023 11:44:32 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638248 The Grand Mufti of the Sultanate of Oman, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamad Al Khalili, urged the Islamic nation to stand by the Palestinian resistance, especially after it confronted the recent Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip. Al-Khalili tweeted yesterday that his call was made "in view of the effort and jihad made by the Palestinian resistance in confronting the Zionist attacks, and of the number of martyrs who went on this path, given what it cost them in terms of effort and giving and what they need to treat their wounded and fulfil their needs. 'whatever you spend in good will be paid back to you in full and you shall not be wronged.'" He added: "We urge the entire […]]]> 638248 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230522-oman-novelist-wins-top-arabic-fiction-prize/ Mon, 22 May 2023 11:41:46 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638245 Omani poet and novelist Zahran Alqasmi has won the 2023 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) for his fourth novel the Water Diviner, first published in 2021. During the awards ceremony held yesterday in Abu Dhabi, 49-year-old Alqasmi was named the winner of the $50,000 prize and the book will also receive funding for an English translation. Set in rural Oman, the book tells the story of villager Salem Bin Abdullah who is hired by his community to find groundwater reserves. It touches on issues of water scarcity and extreme weather events such as floods. A huge congratulations to Zahran Alqasmi who has won the #ArabicFiction2023 with The Water Diviner: https://t.co/0FJQ4aDgJk #fiction #reading #literature pic.twitter.com/d8Kn01DZDM — International Prize for Arabic […]]]> 638245 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230522-oman-sultan-arrives-in-egypt-on-first-official-visit-since-taking-office/ Mon, 22 May 2023 10:00:29 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=638223 The Sultan of Oman, Haitham Bin Tarik, arrived in Egypt yesterday on his first visit to Cairo since taking office in 2020, Egyptian media reported. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi received Sultan Haitham as he began his two-day official visit. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them as well as regional and international issues of common concern, according to the same sources. Omani media said during the visit "consultation and coordination will take place between the two leaders, in a way that contributes to strengthening joint Arab action, and discussing various developments on the regional and international arenas." Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Shihab Bin Tarik, Minister of […]]]> 638223 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230518-egypt-and-iran-arrange-new-talks-in-baghdad/ Thu, 18 May 2023 11:26:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637802 Intense efforts have been taking place recently to restore relations between Egypt and Iran, at a time when the region is experiencing major political changes amid a trend to reduce tensions between countries, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed has reported. According to Egyptian diplomatic sources, a new meeting with Iraqi mediation was approved in principle to be held in early July between officials from Cairo and Tehran at the highest security level. Senior Iraqi sources told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed on 5 May that Egyptian and Iranian representatives met in Baghdad last month, mediated by the government of Mohammed Shia' Sabbar Al-Sudani. This was an attempt to reproduce the Iraqi mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which resulted in six rounds of preliminary dialogue between […]]]> 637802 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230517-us-holds-secret-talks-with-syria-in-oman/ Wed, 17 May 2023 14:56:22 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637515 The US and Syria have engaged in secret, direct negotiations in Oman, according to a report by The Cradle yesterday, citing a senior diplomatic source in the Arab League. The diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that "the talks took place in the Omani capital Muscat, 'the city of secret negotiations' between Washington and several nations in West Asia." With regard to talks between the US and the Syrian government, the source added that they included "security figures from both countries and representatives of foreign ministries." Among the issues raised, apparently, was the ongoing US occupation of eastern Syria and its oilfields and information on the fate of Austin Tice, a freelance journalist and former US Marine Corps […]]]> 637515 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230517-europe-receives-first-shipment-of-oman-gas-through-croatia/ Wed, 17 May 2023 11:40:20 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=637466 Croatia received the first shipment of Omani liquefied natural gas (LNG) on Saturday. LNG Croatia said in a statement that the first shipment of Omani liquefied natural gas coming from the industrial complex in the Omani city of Qalhat is the 62nd among the shipments it has received since its operations began in January 2021. In November 2022, the Omani LNG company said that it successfully loaded the 3,000th shipment of LNG that was produced and shipped from its industrial complex in Qalhat, Sur. Shipments of Omani LNG from Qalhat have reached 22 countries since production operations began in April 2000. The Omani LNG company was able to produce 191.2 metric tonnes of LNG. It has three terminals in Qalhat […]]]> 637466 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230512-the-uaes-unclear-role-in-syrias-return-to-the-fold-of-the-arab-league/ Fri, 12 May 2023 11:45:59 +0000 , Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=635749 I begin this article with prayers for the souls of the righteous martyrs of the Gaza Strip, and curses for the fascist occupation forces that attack our people in occupied Palestine. As the enemy's bombs and missiles hit home in Gaza, the Arab countries remain silent, despite the killing of children, women and Palestinian leaders. And yet, when a Zionist is wounded, the Palestinian people are labelled terrorists by the same countries for carrying out barbaric and uncivilised acts. Last weekend, Israel hosted the first "Independence Day" celebration in the UAE, so I wonder what the government in the UAE wants from returning Syria to the Arab embrace. Is there still something that we can call the Arab embrace? The […]]]> 635749 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230510-yemen-houthis-say-stc-national-charter-a-complete-coup-against-yemen/ Wed, 10 May 2023 10:35:17 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=635441 The Yemeni Houthi group described on Tuesday the national charter signed by members of the Southern Transitional Council as a "complete coup" against the Republic of Yemen, Anadolu news agency reported. "The escalatory step announced by the Transitional Council with a complete coup against the integrity of the Republic of Yemen cannot take place without a green light from the countries of aggression" said Deputy head of the Houthi negotiating delegation, Abd al-Malik al-Ajri, on Twitter, referring to the Arab coalition. "The preparation for this escalatory step in the context of the negotiating atmosphere and the existing efforts of the Sultanate of Oman during the last period raises questions about hidden intentions that do not reflect good intentions towards the […]]]> 635441 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230509-oman-senior-sheikh-hails-palestinian-resistance/ Tue, 09 May 2023 11:03:06 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=634703 The Grand Mufti of Oman hailed Palestinian resistance on Monday. "Allah's miracles have been repeated consecutively, ushering in the end of the  [Israeli] occupation, and preaching to the brave resistance that Allah is capable of sending His victory," tweeted Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamad Al-Khalili. He called for the Israeli authorities to "end the occupation of Palestine" or face consequences known only to the Almighty. At the same time, he also called on those who support the Israeli occupation to think about their future. Those who struggle for justice, he pointed out, "are backed by Allah." On Friday, Sheikh Al-Khalili congratulated the resistance groups in the Gaza Strip for being able to enhance their defensive capabilities in the face of Israel's […]]]> 634703 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230505-gulf-arab-states-depend-on-desalination-technology-for-their-water-supplies-report/ Fri, 05 May 2023 17:42:29 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=633981 The Gulf Arab states depend heavily on desalination technology for their water supplies as, by 2030, desalination capacity in the Middle Eastern countries is expected to almost double, Trade Arabia reports. According to the report, some 2 billion people around the world still lack access to safe drinking water. The UAE relies on desalinated water for 42 per cent of its supply, Kuwait 90 per cent, Oman 86 per cent and Saudi Arabia 70 per cent. The release of salt-loaded waste into the sea during the desalination process raises salinity in coastal areas and affects marine life. There is also the problem of transmission losses, the report added. The report also says the Gulf States have woken up to the […]]]> 633981 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230502-algeria-resigns-inter-parliamentary-union-presidency-in-protest-at-israels-membership/ Tue, 02 May 2023 14:12:37 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=632844 The Algerian Parliament announced on Sunday the resignation of its deputy speaker, Mondher Boudin MP, from the presidency of the Advisory Group for Combating Terrorism in the Inter-Parliamentary Union in protest at Israel's membership of the group. The move was said to be in support of the Palestinian cause. The parliament pointed out that Algeria, represented by Boudin, was elected to the role during the 146th General Assembly meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union held in Manama on 13 March. However, after the nomination, new members were approved by the General Assembly including Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, Mexico, Iran, India, Sweden and Israel. According to the official statement, following this development and after extensive consultations and in line with […]]]> 632844 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230427-iran-army-says-seized-oil-tanker-collided-with-iranian-vessel/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:24:21 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=631804 Iran's Army said, on Thursday, it had seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it collided with an Iranian boat, injuring several crewmen, Iranian state media reported, Reuters reports. "A Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker was seized by Iranian Army's Naval Force in the Persian Gulf after it collided with an Iranian boat in the Gulf of Oman and tried to flee," the Army statement said. "Two members of the boat's crew are missing and several were injured due to the collision of the ship with the boat." READ: US says Iran seized oil tanker in Gulf of Oman]]> 631804 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230427-us-says-iran-seized-oil-tanker-in-gulf-of-oman/ Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:10:21 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=631792 Iran has seized Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, the US military said on Thursday, Anadolu News Agency reports. The vessel, "Advantage Sweet", was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) at approximately 1.15 p.m., local time (09:45 GMT) "while transiting international waters in the Gulf of Oman," according to a statement by the US Naval Forces Central Command. The tanker issued a distress call during the seizure, it added. "Iran's actions are contrary to international law and disruptive to regional security and stability," the US Navy said, urging Tehran release of the oil tanker. The statement said "Iran's continued harassment of vessels and interference with navigational rights in regional waters are a threat to […]]]> 631792 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230426-eid-traditions-omanis-cook-spiced-meat-parcels-in-huge-underground-oven/ Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:26:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=631556 READ: Gaza marks Eid Al-Fitr]]> 631556 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230424-houthis-will-take-war-within-saudi-arabia-and-its-allies-if-ceasefire-talks-violated-group-warns/ Mon, 24 Apr 2023 15:14:31 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=630907 Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have warned Saudi Arabia that they will strike the Kingdom and its coalition allies if attacked, as the two sides continue to engage in talks to secure a lasting ceasefire. According to the Houthi-run Saba News Agency, the group's Defence Minister, Mohamed Al-Atifi, stated in a visit to Hudaydah province that the current situation "is heading towards calm and reaching comprehensive peace", amid significant progress in talks between the Houthis and Saudis. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabian and Omani delegations met with the Houthis in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a, in what were the first direct and open talks between representatives from the Lingdom and the rebel movement. Prior to that, the two sides had agreed to a huge […]]]> 630907 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230418-omanis-get-ready-for-eid-al-fitr-in-ancient-city-of-nizwa/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:49:22 +0000 Middle East Monitor https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/?p=629948 READ: Makkah: millions observe 27th night of Ramadan]]> 629948