Gudrun Harrer in conversation with James Worrall, Yousuf Al
Bulushi
OMAN'S MOMENT? HORMUZ DIPLOMACY AND THE SEARCH FOR A NEW
REGIONAL ORDER
As the war between Iran and the United States remains unresolved
and enters its ninth month, the Strait of Hormuz continues to be
a focal point of the conflict. It is not only a strategic
waterway but also a potential instrument of political power. The
question of who controls access to the Strait, and on what terms,
has implications far beyond the Gulf.
For Oman, which has long cultivated its role as a mediator
between regional adversaries and between Iran and the United
States, this moment presents both an opportunity and a challenge.
Muscat's diplomacy may offer a path towards de-escalation, but it
also raises fundamental questions about the future regional
order. What role can Oman play in shaping the arrangements
governing Hormuz? How will its relations with Tehran and
Washington evolve? And can regional diplomacy produce a
sustainable framework for security in the Gulf?
Dr. Yousuf Al Bulushi is the Chairman of the
Muscat Policy Council, Oman’s first independent Think-Do Tank,
dedicated to advancing research, policy studies, and dialogue to
address global challenges. Al Bulushi is actively involved with
esteemed international think tanks, specializing in regional
security and GCC international relations, with a particular focus
on regional Geopolitics. His research examines the GCC region,
with a notable emphasis on Oman’s developmental strategies and
foreign policy. A distinguished commentator on Oman’s historical
and contemporary geopolitical significance, Al Bulushi’s
scholarly work and insights establish him as a leading authority
in the fields of Regional Security, GCC Relations, and Political
Economy.
Dr. James Worrall is Associate Professor in
International Relations and Middle East Studies at University of
Leeds. His research interests lie in the fields of Comparative
Politics, Security Studies and International Relations, with
particular geographical concentration on the Gulf and the Levant.
Research broadly focuses on: Western Relations with the Arab
World, Gulf Politics, Society and Security, Regional
International Organisations, Decolonisation, Counterinsurgency,
Security Sector Reform, Regime Stability and Legitimacy in
Non-democratic States and Diplomatic Theory and Practice.
Gudrun Harrer, Lecturer in Modern History and
Politics of the Near and Middle East at the University of Vienna
and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna; former Senior Editor at Der
Standard (until 2025).
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