OMAN'S RESPONSE ON IRAN ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 001049 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/11/24 TAGS: PREL IR MU SUBJECT: OMAN'S RESPONSE ON IRAN ISSUES REF: A. STATE 120288; B. MUSCAT 847 CLASSIFIED BY: L. Victor Hurtado, DCM, Department of State, Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(B),(D) ¶1. (C) In a previously scheduled meeting with the Sultan's Foreign Affairs Adviser and Omani oligarch Dr. Omar Zawawi on November 24, the Ambassador raised ref A issues on Iran. The Ambassador conveyed U.S. disappointment in Iran's lack of response to our attempts at engagement. Zawawi concurred with our assessment and shared our frustration and concern about Iran's failure to respond to the U.S. "open hand." He emphasized that during his August visit (ref B),Sultan Qaboos had made it absolutely clear to Khamenei, in the presence of President Ahmadinejad, that Oman believes that Iran must engage with the U.S. and reach a compromise. Zawawi stated that Khamenei assured the Sultan that he would do so. Thus, Oman is mystified and disappointed that Iran's reassurances have not come to fruition. Zawawi speculated that perhaps Iranian leadership is engaged in posturing for its internal audience. He conveyed that while Oman continues to favor dialogue and engagement, it will understand if the USG decides to seek further sanctions. ¶2. (C) Zawawi asked that the U.S. remain patient with Iran and seek to avoid any "heated atmospherics." He noted that Iran remains extremely sensitive and reacts excessively to any negative public statements. To keep Iran focused on negotiations, Zawawi recommended that the U.S. take a very moderate public line. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador also requested continued assistance with the three detained American hikers in Iran, stating that their release would remove an unhelpful irritant between the U.S. and Iran. Zawawi took specific note of this request. Schmierer