Oman Steps in to Mediate Red Sea Crisis: "All-Out Efforts to Restore Negotiations with Saudi Arabia, Yemen"

▲ Houthi rebels

As Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia and reportedly attacked Saudi oil tankers, Oman has stepped in for active mediation.

In a statement on the 23rd (local time), the Omani Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of military tensions around the Red Sea, urging the guarantee of freedom of navigation and restraint from expansion of conflict.

The statement emphasized, "The Sultanate of Oman is closely monitoring recent developments in the Red Sea region," adding, "Any escalation and threat that could exacerbate the situation and threaten freedom of navigation must be avoided."

The Omani Foreign Ministry also added, "We are making all-out efforts to reactivate the political negotiation track and roadmap to restore regional security and stability, working in close cooperation with brotherly nations including Saudi Arabia, Yemeni parties, and the UN Special Envoy for Yemen."

Expressing discontent over Saudi Arabia's airstrike on Sana'a Airport on the 20th and declaring a maritime blockade, the Houthi rebels announced that they carried out a military operation targeting two Saudi oil tankers on this day.

If the Houthis' claims are confirmed, this will mark the first instance of vessel attacks since the Houthis declared the maritime blockade.

If the Houthi rebels block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the entrance to the Red Sea, the maritime route from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu oil export port—which bypasses the Strait of Hormuz—through the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea will be blocked. This would cut off most of Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports and reduce global oil supply by about 7%.

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