U.S. seeking Oman’s hand in mending ties with Iran

TEHRAN,Jan.15(MNA) – The United States may “mend fences” with Iran with the help of partners like the Sultanate of Oman, if they are inclined to extend their helping hand, Times of Oman reported on Saturday, quoting a U.S. official. “There is no specific plan. I think Oman has been a valuable partner in bridging this divide, at times. And, if there is any opportunity in the future for a dialogue with Iran, we will be more than happy in initiating the process with Oman’s help,” Aaron D. Snipe, U.S. Department of State’s spokesperson for the Department Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, said in response to a question from Times of Oman. He asserted that the United States wants better relations with Iran. “Currently, there are lots of mistrusts between the two countries. It would be better for both if they chip away that mistrust,” he said at a press conference at the U.S. embassy in Muscat. Terming Oman a reliable U.S. partner, Snipe said it is good (for the U.S.) that the Sultanate’s ties with Iran are excellent. “The Omani channel is very important for the U.S.,” he said. This statement comes in the wake of Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi’s reported comments that direct talks between Iran and the United States are possible, but it would have to be approved by the country’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Snipe termed Omani foreign policy as the “smartest” in the region as it takes care of the entire region.