Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MUSCAT916
2006-06-07 13:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:  

OMANIS GRUMBLE OVER ALLEGED USG REMARK ON STRAIT

Tags:  MARR PREL KBCT EWWT OPRC IR MU 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000916 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IR, NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PREL KBCT EWWT OPRC IR MU
SUBJECT: OMANIS GRUMBLE OVER ALLEGED USG REMARK ON STRAIT
OF HORMUZ

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000916

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA, NEA/IR, NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR PREL KBCT EWWT OPRC IR MU
SUBJECT: OMANIS GRUMBLE OVER ALLEGED USG REMARK ON STRAIT
OF HORMUZ


1. (SBU) In recent days, popular Omani on-line message board
al-Sablah has featured animated and overwhelmingly negative
reactions to a USG official's alleged remark about the Strait
of Hormuz on the al-Jazeera television network. Allegedly
responding to statements from Iran that it could close off
the Strait of Hormuz in the event of war, the unnamed U.S.
official reportedly stated, "We will take control of the
whole Strait even before Iran realizes it."


2. (SBU) The statement provoked anger from al-Sablah
participants who questioned whether the U.S. plans to ignore
Oman's sovereignty in the Strait. Participants expressed
even deeper concern over Oman's underwhelming naval strength
when compared to those of Iran and GCC neighbors. Many
bloggers dismissed the Sultanate's role in controlling the
Strait of Hormuz as marginal at best and doubted whether Oman
has the power to face U.S. or Iranian forces in a showdown.
The topic generated 2,426 hits and 104 responses, mainly
expressing disappointment toward the Sultanate's inability to
reign supreme even in its own sovereign territorial waters.
STEWART