Oman is secretly providing support to Houthi rebels, undermining US interests and international trade. The country shelters Houthi leaders and facilitates arms smuggling, which has escalated maritime security threats. To counter this, the US should exert diplomatic pressure on Oman and reassess economic relations while promoting alternative trade routes.
The Middle East is facing heightened geopolitical tensions, and Oman plays a critical yet often unnoticed role in enabling conflict, particularly by supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen. Although Oman is perceived as a neutral mediator from its capital, Muscat, it reportedly provides sanctuary, logistical support, and potentially direct aid to the Iran-aligned Houthis, undermining international trade and US interests.
Oman’s supposed neutrality is called into question by its actions. The country has offered refuge to key Houthi leaders, including chief negotiator Mohammed Abdul Salam, who use Omani territory for operations and dialogue. Reports indicate that Oman has facilitated access to weapons and financial resources for the Houthis through smuggling corridors, a reality that has direct implications for regional and global security.
These actions have empowered the Houthis, who now represent a direct threat to international shipping. They have conducted over 100 assaults on commercial vessels since November 2023, leading to major disruptions in global trade and prompting a military response from the United States. The US has launched airstrikes targeting Houthi infrastructure, a costly intervention that reflects both the gravity of the situation and the necessity of addressing the Houthis’ external support from Oman.
The implications of Oman’s enabling actions extend beyond Yemen, as they bolster Iran’s proxy networks throughout the region. This complicates US influence and threatens loyal allies. Oman’s support for the Houthis is part of a broader Iranian strategy, necessitating recognition of its role in promoting regional instability.
To address this situation, U.S. policymakers should abandon outdated views of Oman as a neutral bencher and exert diplomatic pressure to curb its Houthi support. Economic measures should be utilized, linking Oman’s military and economic advantages to its compliance. Increasing intelligence-sharing to disrupt smuggling channels and overseeing Oman’s financial systems could also hinder Houthi activities.
Moreover, Congress should enhance oversight of US foreign aid to Oman, ensuring that such support is contingent on verifiable actions against Houthi ties. Developing alternate trade routes that lessen dependence on Oman would diminish the leverage Oman holds in the region, incentivizing it to halt its backing of the Houthis.
Oman’s role in supporting Houthi rebels presents significant risks to international security and US interests in the Middle East. As the situation escalates, it is crucial for Washington to adjust its approach, imposing diplomatic and economic pressures on Oman to curb its actions. Through targeted measures, enhanced intelligence efforts, and reconsideration of foreign aid, the U.S. can work to mitigate the threats posed by the Houthis and weaken Oman’s capacity to facilitate their activities.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
