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