Sultanate of Oman is intensifying diplomatic efforts, in coordination with Saudi Arabia and Yemeni parties, to revive the political process and a roadmap for peace in Yemen. This initiative comes amid a new escalation in the region following Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea.
The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is closely monitoring recent developments in the Red Sea, emphasizing the imperative to avoid escalation and any actions that could deepen the crisis or jeopardize international maritime navigation. Oman affirmed its commitment to working with Saudi Arabia, Yemeni stakeholders, and the UN Special Envoy to resume the political process and implement the agreed-upon roadmap, aiming to foster security and stability in Yemen and the wider region.
This Omani stance follows Saudi Arabia's announcement that the vessel "ENCELIA," owned by a Saudi company, was targeted in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire. The Kingdom confirmed the safety of the crew and stated that necessary measures were taken to secure the ship and protect the marine environment. The Houthi militia claimed responsibility for the attacks on both "ENCELIA" and "LAYLA," alleging it was in response to navigation restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia.
The recent escalation has prompted regional responses. The Yemeni National Defense Council approved military, security, and economic measures, while the Arab Coalition announced operational measures to enhance the protection of its vessels transiting the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb strait. In a related development, Pakistan reaffirmed its full support for Saudi Arabia. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional developments and the implications of Houthi attacks on regional security.
Prime Minister Sharif strongly condemned the attacks on Saudi oil tankers, describing them as a violation of international law and a direct threat to regional peace and security, reiterating Pakistan's solidarity with the Kingdom. Both leaders agreed to continue coordination and cooperation to maintain regional security and stability, ensuring safe navigation in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz, and the uninterrupted flow of international maritime trade. These collective regional positions highlight growing concerns that Houthi escalation in the Red Sea could undermine political efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis and threaten vital international shipping lanes, with direct consequences for global trade and energy supplies.
