Oman has been revealed as a critical enabler of Houthi rebel activities in Yemen, undermining its reputation as a neutral mediator. By providing refuge and support to the Houthis, Oman poses a significant threat to international trade and US strategic interests. Urgent diplomatic and economic measures are necessary to address this complicity and foster regional stability.
The current geopolitical situation in the Middle East necessitates attention towards Oman, often perceived as a neutral entity. Despite its reputation, Oman has played a subtle yet significant role in empowering the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen by providing them sanctuary, logistical support, and potentially direct aid, thereby complicating American strategic interests.
Oman has positioned itself as a mediator in regional conflicts, avoiding participation in the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis. Nonetheless, this self-portrayal contrasts starkly with its reality, as it has offered refuge to Houthi leaders like Mohammed Abdul Salam. This compromises Oman’s claims of neutrality as Houthi operations occur freely on its territory.
Furthermore, Oman reportedly facilitates weapons access for the Houthis, with reports of a smuggling corridor providing them arms. Numerous interceptions by US and allied naval forces have revealed that advanced weaponry destined for the Houthis has passed through Oman, heightening the threat to global shipping and prompting rerouting of commercial vessels, incurring additional costs and risk to maritime security.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have aggressively targeted commercial and military vessels, resulting in significant military responses from the United States. American airstrikes have aimed to diminish the Houthi’s military capabilities in response to their assertions in the Red Sea and on international shipping lanes, highlighting the urgent implications of Oman’s supportive role in fuelling these conflicts.
The Houthi threat is not restricted to Yemen but extends throughout the region, enhancing Iran’s influence and destabilizing various countries. This broader Iranian proxy network, aided by Oman, poses a considerable challenge to US interests and regional stability, necessitating Washington to realize Oman’s complicity in this destabilizing strategy.
Addressing Oman’s duality involves reevaluating its neutrality stance, as policymakers should adopt a firmer approach regarding its support for the Houthis. Diplomatic pressure should ensure that Muscat understands that continuing its support for the Houthis could lead to consequences, including potential economic measures contingent on Oman’s actions.
Moreover, to combat weapons smuggling through Oman, enhanced intelligence-sharing with regional partners and aggressive interdiction strategies are essential. Should Oman refuse cooperation, sanctions against specific Omani entities may be required to disrupt illicit activities. Additionally, US scrutiny of Omani financial institutions involved in Houthi funding through sanctions could further impede their military operations.
Lastly, the relationship between the United States and Oman must be reassessed, ensuring military and economic support depends on verifiable commitments from Oman to withdraw its support for the Houthis. Collaborating with regional allies to establish alternative trade routes could reduce dependency on Oman, potentially diminishing its influence over regional logistics and trade.
In conclusion, Oman’s covert support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen poses a substantial risk to regional and international stability, necessitating a reevaluation of its role by the United States. Strategic diplomatic pressures, economic sanctions, and increased intelligence efforts are essential to curb Oman’s complicity in exacerbating the Houthi threat. Reevaluating the nature of US support to Oman and developing alternative trade routes can further limit Oman’s influence and stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
