Qatari Emir visits Oman, holds talks with Sultan Haitham

ALBAWABA- Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, arrived in Muscat on Thursday for a private visit, holding talks with Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, as regional tensions continue to mount.

During their meeting at Al Barakah Palace, the two leaders reviewed recent developments in the region and their implications for Gulf security, stability, and economic interests, according to a statement from Oman’s Foreign Ministry.

Both sides stressed the urgency of reaching a comprehensive agreement to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis, while calling for intensified international efforts to safeguard maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, ensure the uninterrupted flow of shipping, and protect global energy supplies.

The talks highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Oman and Qatar and their shared commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

📸 جلالةُ السُّلطان المُعظّم /حفظهُ اللهُ ورعاهُ/ في مقدّمة مستقبلي أخيه سمو الشيخ أمير دولة #قطر الشقيقة لدى وصوله المطار السُّلطاني الخاص، في زيارةٍ أخويّة خاصة لسلطنة عُمان.

وبعد المرور بين صفّين من حرس الشرف من الحرس السُّلطاني العُماني توجّه الموكبُ المقلّ لجلالةِ… pic.twitter.com/xmaMjsM6Gu

— Royal Oman Family (@RoyalOmanFamily) April 16, 2026

The visit comes against the backdrop of nearly seven weeks of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. A fragile two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, is set to expire on April 22, following inconclusive US-Iran negotiations held in Islamabad earlier this month.

Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Pakistan has intensified mediation. Its army chief, Syed Asim Munir, visited Tehran this week for consultations with Iranian officials, while Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif continued a regional tour that included Saudi Arabia and Qatar, aimed at supporting de-escalation efforts.

The parallel diplomatic engagements across the Gulf reflect a coordinated push by regional actors to prevent further escalation, secure vital maritime routes, and create conditions for a sustainable political resolution before the ceasefire deadline.