France, July 11 -- For decades, Oman has pursued a clear foreign policy based on what it calls "positive neutrality".

The sultanate of around 5 million people has consistently sought to stay clear of local conflicts and instability - whether during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88), the First Gulf War (1991), the blockade of Qatar (2017) or the Syrian civil war.

Oman also refused to join the coalition against the Houthis in Yemen in 2015. As a neutral intermediary, Muscat hosted Houthi officials and became a key channel for negotiations between them and Saudi Arabia.

The country also played a central role in the 2023 rapprochement between Tehran and Riyadh.

"The sultanate has established itself as a platform for international mediation, cap...