The diplomatic role of Sultanate Omani in the Yemeni crisis – 2015-2026

Ammar Muhammad Fael Yasslam

A researcher in diplomacy and international relations

Sultanate of Oman, with its foreign policy founded on positive neutrality, played an influential negotiating role in the Yemeni crisis between 2015 and 2026, which was based on a number of principles and foundations, most significantly; quiet diplomacy and neutrality, non-interference in the affairs of others, and keeping itself away from the politics of alliances, preferring to play the role of a neutral mediator between the parties of the Yemeni crisis. This has given it international credibility and made it a mediator trustworthy to the conflicting parties.

The official position of Sultanate of Oman on Yemen war and Operation Decisive Storm on March 25, 2015 was clear and consistent, this position is based on the principles of Omani foreign policy, which are grounded in neutrality, non-interference in the affairs of others, prioritizing peaceful solutions, rejecting military solutions, calling for comprehensive Yemeni dialogue, and affirming Yemen’s unity, independence in national decision-making, and territorial integrity.

Omani’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on December 30, 2025, in which Oman renewed its position on dealing with the Yemeni crisis, calling for a comprehensive political solution through understanding and dialogue that serves the security of Yemen and the regional neighborhood.

The following is a brief overview of Oman’s most important positions on the Yemeni crisis:

  • In September 2015, Oman’s capital, Muscat, held early stages of negotiations as part of its diplomatic efforts to contain the Yemeni crisis by bringing together the views of Sana’a’s government delegation and the UN envoy to Yemen in order to discuss a ceasefire and start a peace initiative. These were among the first meetings held between the parties to the conflict since the start of the war. Muscat hosted delegations from Sana’a government, which greatly facilitated the negotiation efforts and created a suitable environment for opening channels of communication and rebuilding trust between the parties.
  • In December 2018, as part of the UN-sponsored Stockholm Agreement on Hodeidah Port, hosted by Sweden, to de-escalate tensions and allow ships to enter, Oman’s role was to create a favorable political climate by opening channels of communication with all parties and supporting the UN envoy’s efforts diplomatically, in line with Oman’s policy of quiet mediation.
  • In April 2022, within the framework of UN-led mediation, which paved the way to open Sana’a International Airport to humanitarian flights, Oman has supported international efforts and urged the implementation of the truce terms. In this regard, Oman acts as a diplomatic bridge between regional and international parties.
  • In April 2023, Saudi Ambassador to Yemen; Mohammed Al Jaber visited Yemen’s capital Sana’a with a Saudi-Omani team, where they met Mahdi Al-Mashat , head of the Supreme Political Council in Sana’a government, and other officials as part of efforts to stop the fighting, establish a truce, support the prisoner exchange process, and open prospects for dialogue to reach a comprehensive political solution. There was coordination and a significant role played by Sultanate of Oman in bringing the parties closer together to achieve sustainable peace.
  • In May 2025, an agreement was announced to cease military operations in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden between United States and Sana’a government to ensure freedom of international maritime navigation. The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it had mediated between the parties to reach an agreement on ceasing military operations, which would enhance the security of international waterways and maintain global trade.
  • In December 2025, a historic agreement was concluded to exchange 2,900 Yemeni prisoners and detainees between the internationally recognized government and Sana’a government. This was the largest exchange of prisoners and detainees since the war began, under the supervision of the United Nations and with the support of International Committee of Red Cross. This took place during a series of consultations in Oman’s capital, Muscat, where Oman provided diplomatic and procedural support to ensure the success of the dialogue, which provided a suitable environment for the deal. Oman has also made previous humanitarian efforts to release detainees in Yemen, such as facilitating the return of ship crews or work teams from Sana’a, which reflects its concern for humanitarian issues.

The prisoner exchange agreement has provoked a variety of reactions:

  • Foreign Affairs Ministry of Yemen in the internationally recognized government expressed its hope that the agreement reached regarding the exchange of prisoners would contribute to creating the appropriate conditions for addressing the remaining issues. It also expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sultanate of Oman, and their constant efforts in conducting the prisoner exchange negotiations, which led to the agreement signed in Muscat. The Ministry has welcomed the efforts of UN Special Envoy and Red Cross for their highly important professional and humanitarian role.
  • The National Committee for Prisoners’ Affairs of Sana’a government expressed its gratitude to Sultanate of Oman for its efforts in hosting, sponsoring, and ensuring the success of the negotiations.
  • The UN envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has welcomed the agreement, calling it an important positive step in alleviating human suffering and confirming that Omani mediation was a key factor in creating the political and humanitarian conditions necessary to reach this agreement.
  • The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also praised the diplomatic role played by Sultanate of Oman in achieving the agreement, considering it a humanitarian step that contributes to building trust between the Yemeni parties.
  • The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement and considered it a sign of hope for ending the Yemeni crisis and moving toward a comprehensive political solution, offering its thanks for the mediation efforts of Oman and the United Nations.
  • At the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, with the escalation of the latest events and developments in Hadhramout and Mahra governorates, Omani policy appeared as a model of balance and prudence in dealing with complex regional crises. It has given priority to wisdom and quiet diplomacy, avoiding escalation and hasty reactions. The Omani approach is based on a careful reading of the nature of the situation.

Omani wisdom and policy have been widely praised by most of Yemeni society and political leaders. In this regard, Dr. Ahmed Obaid Bin Dagher, Chairman of Parliament in the internationally recognized government, has tweeted: “Our thanks go to our brothers in Sultanate of Oman, who dealt with the crisis with the responsibility of a brother and loyal neighbor, and their stance had a positive impact on the hearts and minds of the people of Hadhramout and Mahra.”

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The diplomatic role of Sultanate Omani in the Yemeni crisis – 2015-2026