Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MUSCAT1442
2006-10-04 13:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES IRAN WITH DEPUTY PRIME
how-toVZCZCXRO9552 RR RUEHDE DE RUEHMS #1442 2771333 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 041333Z OCT 06 FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7232 INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 001442
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/04/2016
TAGS: PREL IR MU
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES IRAN WITH DEPUTY PRIME
MINISTER
Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo for Reasons 1.4 (b, d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 001442
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/04/2016
TAGS: PREL IR MU
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES IRAN WITH DEPUTY PRIME
MINISTER
Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo for Reasons 1.4 (b, d)
1. (C) The Ambassador met with Deputy Prime Minister for
Cabinet Affairs Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmud al-Sa'id on October 2
to discuss regional and bilateral issues. In addition to
touching on the Middle East Peace Process, the U.S.-Oman Free
Trade Agreement, and Omani economic and social development
progress, Sayyid Fahd focused on the Iranian nuclear issue.
Drawing from his 25 years of government experience in dealing
with Iran (beginning with a one year stint as Foreign
Minister from 1971-72),Sayyid Fahd described Tehran as a
"tough negotiator." He stated that the Iranian regime was
adept at mobilizing public support for key government
policies - as it had recently done regarding Iran's "right"
to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes - but that this made
it very difficult for Iranian officials to later "back down"
during talks with the international community.
2. (C) Sayyid Fahd emphasized that Iran had historically not
responded well to threats, harsh rhetoric or heavy-handed
pressure. Rather than produce a change in behavior, such
tactics instead were likely to harden defensive attitudes in
Tehran. Sayyid Fahd regretted that the West had not been
able to talk with Iran on its nuclear program while former
Iran President Mohammed Khatemi was in office. Khatemi, he
continued, had told Oman that he was committed to ensuring
that Iranian nuclear research was limited to non-military
applications.
3. (C) Sayyid Fahd commented that shortly after the Iranian
revolution, the clerical regime in Tehran had tried to
"incite" the Shiite community in Oman. (Note: While no
official statistics exist, the Shia population of Oman is
estimated at less than 5% of the population. End Note.)
Iran was unsuccessful in this attempt, however, as Shiites in
Oman - both then and NOW - are well integrated into Omani
society and hold no allegiance or loyalty to Tehran.
GRAPPO
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/04/2016
TAGS: PREL IR MU
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES IRAN WITH DEPUTY PRIME
MINISTER
Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo for Reasons 1.4 (b, d)
1. (C) The Ambassador met with Deputy Prime Minister for
Cabinet Affairs Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmud al-Sa'id on October 2
to discuss regional and bilateral issues. In addition to
touching on the Middle East Peace Process, the U.S.-Oman Free
Trade Agreement, and Omani economic and social development
progress, Sayyid Fahd focused on the Iranian nuclear issue.
Drawing from his 25 years of government experience in dealing
with Iran (beginning with a one year stint as Foreign
Minister from 1971-72),Sayyid Fahd described Tehran as a
"tough negotiator." He stated that the Iranian regime was
adept at mobilizing public support for key government
policies - as it had recently done regarding Iran's "right"
to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes - but that this made
it very difficult for Iranian officials to later "back down"
during talks with the international community.
2. (C) Sayyid Fahd emphasized that Iran had historically not
responded well to threats, harsh rhetoric or heavy-handed
pressure. Rather than produce a change in behavior, such
tactics instead were likely to harden defensive attitudes in
Tehran. Sayyid Fahd regretted that the West had not been
able to talk with Iran on its nuclear program while former
Iran President Mohammed Khatemi was in office. Khatemi, he
continued, had told Oman that he was committed to ensuring
that Iranian nuclear research was limited to non-military
applications.
3. (C) Sayyid Fahd commented that shortly after the Iranian
revolution, the clerical regime in Tehran had tried to
"incite" the Shiite community in Oman. (Note: While no
official statistics exist, the Shia population of Oman is
estimated at less than 5% of the population. End Note.)
Iran was unsuccessful in this attempt, however, as Shiites in
Oman - both then and NOW - are well integrated into Omani
society and hold no allegiance or loyalty to Tehran.
GRAPPO