News

Oman Welcomes US-Yemen Ceasefire AgreementMuscat, 6 May (ONA) —— A spokesperson at the Foreign Ministry stated that, following recent discussions and engagements conducted by the Sultanate of Oman with the United States and the relevant authorities in Sana’a, Republic of Yemen, efforts to de-escalate tensions have culminated in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides. Under this agreement, neither party will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, thereby safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring the unimpeded flow of ...

France Denounces Israeli Occupation's Rigid Stand on Gaza Paris, 6 May (ONA) --- French Foreign Minister Jean Noel-Barrot on Tuesday condemned the Israeli occupation's intransigent stance toward Gaza and called for unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave. The minister, in remarks to the local radio station RTL, affirmed the urgent need for a ceasefire in the strip and release of the prisoners. On Israel's plan to expand military action in Gaza, Noel-Barrot indicated that such a scheme implied strong ...

Drones attack vital facilities in Port Sudan City Port Sudan, 6 May (ONA) --- Drones attacked several vital facilities in the temporary Sudanese capital of Port Sudan City, the third attack of its kind under a week, said eyewitnesses today. According to eyewitnesses, the attack caused flames and destruction to several facilities in the southern and main ports of the city. A hotel in central Port Sudan as well as the Flamingo military ...

UNIFIL Calls for Full Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanese TerritoryBeirut, 6 May (ONA) --- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has urged the Israeli entity to fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, emphasizing that the continued presence of its forces north of the Blue Line constitutes a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Commander of UNIFIL’s Sector West Brig. Gen. Nicola Mandolesi made the remarks during a visit to the town of Dhayra in southern Lebanon today. He affirmed that UN peacekeeping forces remain deployed on the ground and are committed to ...

Murder Toll from Israeli Genocide on Gaza Rises to 52,615 MartyrsGaza, 6 May (ONA) --- The murder toll from the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since 7 October 2023, has risen to 52,615. The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that the murder toll has reached 2,507, with 6,711 injured since the occupation resumed its aggression on the Gaza Strip on 18 March 2025, following a two-month ceasefire. The Ministry noted that 48 martyrs had arrived at Gaza hospitals over the past 24 hours, including nine who were recovered, and 142 injured. Meanwhile, a number of victims remain trapped under ...

Palestine Calls on UN to Urgently Intervene to Stop Israeli Aggression on GazaNew York, 6 May (ONA) --- Palestine called on the United Nations (UN) and the international community to take urgent action to halt the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which has lasted for nearly 19 months, and to ensure the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid to the civilian population. This was stated in three identical letters sent by Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations Riyad Mansour to the UN Secretary-General, the President of the Security Council for this month ...

UN Secretary-General: Tensions between India and Pakistan Reach Highest in YearsNew York, 6 May (ONA) --- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that tensions between India and Pakistan reached "their highest in years." Guterres called for "maximum restraint" and avoiding a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control. Addressing journalists, Guterres said "It is also essential – especially at this critical hour – to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control." "Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink," he ...

EU Urges Restrain, Humanitarian Access amid Planned Israeli Military ExpansionBrussels, 6 May (ONA) --- The European Union (EU) has called for utmost restraint from the Israeli occupation authorities following the announcement of a planned expansion of the military offensive in the Gaza Strip, urging the immediate facilitation of humanitarian aid. “The European Union is concerned at the planned extension of the operation by Israeli forces in Gaza, which will result in further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population. We urge Israel to exercise the utmost restraint,” ...

HM The Sultan, Algerian President Applaud Establishment of Algerian-Omani Investment Fund Muscat, 5 May (ONA) ---- His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, commended the establishment of the "Algerian-Omani Investment Fund" as a mechanism to finance joint investments between the two nations, enhance their volume, and ensure diversification and expansion across all sectors. This was stated in the joint communiqué issued today on the occasion of the state visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin ...

UN Rejects Israel's Proposal to Deliver Aid to Gaza Under Control of Its Forces New York, 5 May (ONA) —- The United Nations rejected the Israeli occupation's proposal to deliver aid to Gaza under the control of its forces. The UN Humanitarian Country Team in Gaza said in a statement that Israel's plan "contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic – as part of a military strategy." The proposed delivery mechanism would require UN approval to distribute supplies through Israeli checkpoints, ...

Amnesty International Calls for Serious Steps to Stop Genocide in Gaza StripGeneva, 5 May (ONA) —- Amnesty International called on all international actors, particularly the European Union (EU), to take serious steps to stop Israel's genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, whether through the use of military weapons or forced starvation policies that have rendered the Strip "completely foodless."In a press statement, Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard called on all relevant parties to pressure Israel to allow the entry of food, water, and medicine into the Gaza ...

UN: Funding Cuts Increases Risk of Violence, Poverty, DeathNew York, 4 May (ONA) --- A UNHCR official warned that significant funding cuts are depriving the world's most vulnerable refugees of vital support, as they now face greater risks of abuse, poverty, and being forced to return home or embark on new, perilous journeys. "Two thirds of refugees find safety in countries neighbouring their own, most of which are resource-poor. Reduced funding is hitting hardest these refugees and their host communities, which are already stretched to the limits", Director of International Protection at ...

UNRWA: Humanitarian Situation in Gaza "Beyond Imagination"New York, 4 May (ONA) --- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is beyond imagination. UNRWA said in a statement that with the comprehensive blockade on Gaza entering its ninth week, concerted international efforts are necessary to prevent this humanitarian catastrophe from escalating to an "unseen level". The UN agency also renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire. In this context, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe ...

WHO Warns of Serious Deterioration in Health Conditions in Gaza StripGeneva, 4 May (ONA) --- The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a serious deterioration in health conditions in the Gaza Strip, in light of the stifling blockade imposed on the Strip for nearly two months, and the denial of humanitarian and medical aid access. WHO spokesperson, Margaret Harris said in a statement today that the health situation in Gaza is catastrophic, and very close to the abyss. She noted that the health risks facing the population are worsening by the day due to the shortage of basic ...

Oman Condemns Blockade Imposed on GazaNew York, 1 May (ONA) —- The Sultanate of Oman condemned the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, warning of the consequences of the continued use of starvation and forced displacement as weapons of war. Oman stressed the need to hold perpetrators accountable for these grave violations.This was stated by Omar bin Saif Al-Kharousi, the Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations, before the Security Council during discussions on "The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Cause."He said that the Middle East ...

Foreign Minister Receives Saudi CounterpartAl Jabal Al Akhdar, 28 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, today received Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate.The two sides discussed avenues of bilateral cooperation and joint initiatives within the context of the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council, aimed at serving the interests of their two peoples.On the political front, the two ministers touched the most significant regional and international developments and the ...

Foreign Minister Receives Saudi CounterpartAl Jabal Al Akhdar, 28 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, today received Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate.The two sides discussed avenues of bilateral cooperation and joint initiatives within the context of the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council, aimed at serving the interests of their two peoples.On the political front, the two ministers touched the most significant regional and international developments and the ...

Oman, UK Explore Means of Boosting Cooperation Muscat, 27 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister received in his office today David Lammy, UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Commonwealth and Development Affairs. During the meeting, the two ministers affirmed the joint desire to follow up all areas of cooperation and means of promoting them to serve the joint interests. The two sides also emphasized the importance of continued consultation, coordination, and cooperation in all efforts that would strengthen the foundations of regional ...

Oman Welcomes Decision to Initiate Position of Vice President of the State of Palestine Muscat, 27 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has welcomed a decision by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee to initiate the position of Vice-President of the Executive Committee and Vice-President of the State of Palestine, and to appoint Hussein Al Sheikh to this position. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, the Sultanate of Oman congratulated Al Sheikh on his new appointment, wishing him success in performing his duties. ...

Foreign Minister: High-Level US-Iran Meeting Scheduled for May 3rdMuscat, 26 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister said that the US-Iran talks in Muscat today identified a shared aspiration to reach agreement based on mutual respect and enduring commitments.He added: “Core principles, objectives and technical concerns were all addressed. Talks will continue next week with a further high level meeting provisionally scheduled for May 3rd.”On his turn, Dr. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the third round of ...

Foreign Minister, Turkish Counterpart Discuss Means of Boosting CooperationMuscat, 23 Apr (ONA) —— Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister and Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye explored means of boosting cooperation between Oman and Türkiye in various areas, in a manner that serves the joint interests.During a phone call made between the two ministers today, both sides exchanged views on several regional and international issues, underscoring the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing challenges and promoting security and ...

France, Germany, UK Urge Israeli Entity to Allow Unimpeded Flow of Humanitarian Aid into Gaza Berlin, 23 Apr (ONA) --- The Foreign Ministers of Germany, France, and Britain called on the Israeli entity to allow unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza Strip in compliance with international law. "Humanitarian aid must never be used as a political tool and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change," the European ministers said in a joint statement issued today. The Israeli occupation authorities have blocked the entry of ...

Oman Condemns Attack Targeting Tourists in India Muscat, 23 Apr (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman has expressed its condemnation and denunciation of the attack that targeted tourists at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in the Republic of India yesterday. Oman extended its sincere condolences to the government and people of India and to the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery. In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry today, Oman reaffirmed its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism, regardless of motives or justifications. ---Ends/AG ...

Oman, Russia Share Commitment to Further Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation Moscow, 22 Apr (ONA) --- In furtherance of the bonds of friendship and the historic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation, and in response to the gracious invitation extended by President Vladimir Putin, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik undertook a State Visit to the Russian Federation on Monday and Tuesday, 21–22 April 2025.The two leaders held official talks in the Grand Hall of the Kremlin Palace, characterized by a spirit of friendship and a shared commitment to further enhancing ...

IAEA Head Confident after 2nd Round of US-Iran Nuclear TalksRome, 20 Apr (ONA) --- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi has expressed optimism on talks between the United States and Iran on Tehran's nuclear programme. Both sides were "prepared to discuss concrete aspects with each other," Grossi told Italy's La Repubblica newspaper in an interview published today. Talks between Washington and Tehran, which are being mediated by the Sultanate of Oman, are due to continue on Saturday. The venue is moving from the Italian capital to Muscat in Oman for the third ...

Omani-Mediated Agreement: US, Iran to Proceed to New Phase of Nuclear Talks in MuscatRome, 19 Apr (ONA) —- A spokesperson for Oman’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that today’s meetings in Rome between Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, mediated by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Oman’s Foreign Minister, resulted in an agreement by both parties to transition to the next phase of negotiations. These talks aim to reach a fair, lasting, and binding agreement, ensuring Iran’s to be completely free of nuclear weapons and the full lifting ...

Oman-Mediated Iran-US Talks to Reconvene in RomeMuscat, 17 Apr (ONA) —- A spokesman of Oman’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Rome will be the venue this Saturday for the 2nd round of talks between representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America.The Iran-US talks aim to make further progress towards reaching a just, binding and sustainable agreement.The Sultanate of Oman is pleased to be facilitating and mediating this meeting in Rome, which has been chosen as the venue for logistical reasons.Oman is also grateful to the Italian government for their ...

China and Malaysia Reject Forced Displacement of Gaza ResidentsKuala Lumpur, 17 Apr (ONA) --- China and Malaysia expressed their rejection of the forced displacement of the people of Gaza and called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution. This was stated in a joint statement issued during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia today. The two sides affirmed that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inalienable part of the Palestinian territories, according to the statement. The two ...

South Korea, US Launch Joint Freedom Flag Air DrillsSeoul, 17 Apr (ONA) --- South Korea and the United States today kicked off a joint large-scale air exercise, the South's Air Force said, in efforts to bolster their interoperability and combined readiness posture against North Korean threats. Some 1,100 troops and 90 aircraft from both sides were mobilized for the semiannual Freedom Flag exercise, which runs through 2 May 2025, according to the Air Force. Among the assets mobilized for the two-week drills were the South's F-35A, F-15K and KF-16 fighter jets, ...

Oman, Netherlands Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthening Cooperation Across Various SectorsAmsterdam, 16 Apr (ONA) —— The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of government-to-government collaboration and business partnerships to drive mutual economic growth and innovation.This came in a joint communique issued on the occasion of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s state-visit to the Netherlands. It reads as follows:“On 15 and 16 April, His Majesty Sultan ...