Russia, Oman discuss de-escalation efforts in wake of Israel-Iran conflict

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a phone call with his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, on Wednesday to discuss the rising tensions in the Middle East following Israel’s large-scale military operation against Iran, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

According to the statement, both sides stressed the urgency of ending hostilities and warned against the further geographical expansion of the conflict, which they said could have dire consequences for the broader region.

Lavrov thanked Oman for its mediation efforts, especially regarding contentious issues linked to Iran’s nuclear program.

The ministers agreed on the need to shift the confrontation onto a diplomatic track and to establish conditions for a sustainable and inclusive negotiation process.

The phone call was initiated by the Omani side, the ministry noted.