Iran-Israel-US Conflict: Why Oman was spared as Tehran hit Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired missiles at US military facilities across the Gulf. Explosions were reported in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar, with blasts also heard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital. In the UAE, including near Abu Dhabi, officials confirmed that one person was killed by shrapnel from an Iranian missile.

Bahrain news outlets reported that the Bahrain navy base hosting the US Fifth Fleet was among the targets. Qatar confirmed missile interceptions over Doha, while UAE news confirmed activation of air defence systems near Abu Dhabi.

Iran Strikes Gulf Countries: Why Oman Was Not Targeted

Unlike Bahrain, Qatar or the UAE, Oman does not host a large permanent US combat base directly engaged in offensive operations against Iran. While the United States has access to facilities such as RAFO Masirah under bilateral defence agreements, these are rotational and logistical in nature rather than major strike hubs, as per a fact sheet published by the American Security Project in 2018.

More importantly, Oman has long served as a quiet diplomatic bridge in the US Iran relationship.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi met US Vice President JD Vance on Friday, ahead of the latest escalation. He has been a key mediator in indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington. After meetings in Washington, Al Busaidi said nuclear talks had achieved “significant, important and unprecedented progress,” according to the Oman News Agency.

The latest round of negotiations between American and Iranian officials was held in Geneva just days before the US attacks Iran today.

Iran Strikes Gulf Countries: Military Targets vs Diplomatic Channels

The seven Gulf countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates border the Persian Gulf. All except Iraq are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Among them, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE host major American military infrastructure. Bahrain houses the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Qatar’s Al-Udeid base supports air operations. Facilities in the UAE near Abu Dhabi play a key logistical and operational role.

By contrast, Oman’s defence arrangements with Washington focus on access and transit rather than the permanent basing of combat forces.

Tehran’s missile calculus appeared focused on states perceived as directly facilitating US strikes Iran. Oman’s neutral posture and mediation efforts appear to have shielded it from retaliation.

Iran Strikes Gulf Countries: Timing and Trust Deficit

The timing of the joint US-Israel offensive has further strained trust. Explosions in Tehran came as negotiations were still ongoing. Talks ended inconclusively on Friday, with suggestions of further discussions next week. Trump publicly said he was “not happy” with the pace of progress.

Last year, a similar pattern unfolded when Israel attacks Iran days before scheduled talks, deepening suspicions within Tehran about Washington’s intentions.

Despite the escalation, Oman’s role keeps a diplomatic window ajar, even as missile exchanges continue between Israel and Iran and Gulf capitals brace for further fallout.

For now, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh remain on high alert, while Oman stands as a rare exception in a rapidly militarising landscape.

FAQs

Why did Iran not strike Oman?

Oman acts as a neutral mediator between the US and Iran and does not host a major permanent US combat base. As per reports, Tehran avoided targeting Oman to preserve diplomatic channels.

Which Gulf countries were hit in the Iran attack?

Missiles were reported in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait, with explosions also heard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.