Muscat:�The United States may "mend fences" with Iran with the help of partners like the Sultanate of Oman, if they are inclined to extend their helping hand. "There is no specific plan. I think Oman has been a valuable partner in bridging this divide, at times. And, if there is any opportunity in the future for a dialogue with Iran, we will be more than happy in initiating the process with Oman's help," Aaron D Snipe, US Department of State's spokesperson for the Department Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, (NEA) said in response to a question from Times of Oman.

He asserted that the United States wants better relations with Iran. "Currently, there are lots of mistrusts between the two countries. It would be better for both if they chip away that mistrust," he said at a press conference at the US embassy in Muscat. Terming Oman a reliable US partner, Aaron D Snipe said it is good (for the US) that the Sultanate's ties with Iran are excellent. "The Omani channel is very important for the US," he said.

This statement comes in the wake of Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi's reported comments that direct talks between Iran and the United States are possible but it would have to be approved by the country's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "Comprehensive political talks are within the powers of the exalted supreme leader," Salehi had commented according to the official Irna news agency.

Snipe termed Omani foreign policy as the "smartest" in the region as it takes care of the entire region. "We want stability in the region and our only worry right now is Iran," he added. As for Oman-US relations, Snipe said the ties between the two countries have become stronger over the years.

Strong ties
Talking about the celebrations at the US Embassy in Muscat last year, he said it reflects the strong ties between the two countries. Snipe expressed satisfaction over the remarkable progress witnessed in economic ties between the two sides after the signing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Speaking about the Syrian crisis, he said the US humanitarian assistance for Syria totalled $210 million. "The United States stands resolutely with the Syrian people facing dire humanitarian conditions every day as a result of the ongoing violence that has spread beyond its borders and killing more than 200 people a day," he claimed. "We have learnt from the Arab Spring that we should have good relation not only with the government but with the common people too," he said.

By Times of Oman

 

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