US secretary of State John Kerry on a visit to Muttrah Souq, in Muscat, on Sunday. O K Mohammed Ali/Times of Oman[/caption]Muscat:As the United States (US) and Iran held talks at Al Bustan Palace Hotel to end a nuclear standoff between the two countries, Omani citizens and expatriates eagerly awaited till late in the evening for the outcome of the trilateral meeting hosted by the Government of Oman.
Oman's relationship with the Islamic Republic has deep roots while the US has used the Sultanate on a few occasions to successfully mediate hostage crises of American citizens captured in hostile situations in the past.
But according to local reactions by observers in the capital Muscat, the current talks between the two countries is Oman's most difficult mediation to date.
Greatest triumph
"This will not only be Oman's greatest triumph in its diplomatic efforts if it ends successfully but it will also be the greatest achievement in international politics.
To make the two countries agree to have talks is one thing but to make them reach a middle ground that satisfies both countries is the challenge of the century, given the sensitivity of the situation," Omar Al Rukaishi, a doctorate student in political science, toldTimes of Oman. Other observers said that the negotiations between the US and Iran is not about political triumph on Oman's part but is it about diffusing tensions in the Gulf region over sectarian issues.
Political standoff
"I don't think Oman is seeking glory to champion a most difficult political standoff but to create harmony among its neighbours. We know that the US is used as a pawn to long-standing religious issues between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Oman knows that if the two countries (Iran and Saudi Arabia) continue to lock horns the situation will become explosive sooner or later.
"The AGCC (Arab Gulf Cooperation Council) region will go up in flames. So, it is not just about settling a nuclear programme," said Abdulsattar Al Fahmi, a retired Egyptian diplomat.
Oman's effort
Both Iranians and American expatriates in Oman welcomed Oman's effort as a facilitator hoping that the talks will end the hotly contested nuclear programme by Iran opposed by the US and
its allies.
"I really hope the two countries will shake hands at the end of the talks and agree on something that will end their enmity for good," Peter Granger, a US national working as an oil engineer toldTimes of Omanahead of the talks. Iranians based in Muscat were also hoping for a fruitful conclusion.
"It is about time Iran and US become friends. They have a lot in common. A peaceful conclusion of the talks will mean a lasting peace in the Gulf. It will also mean the end of religious fanaticism in the Gulf and the beginning of a new era of economic success," said Farhad Al Fazzallah, an Iranian businessman.
By Times Of Oman
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