A Proposed Gulf Non-Aggression Pact Could Stabilise Regional Security

Amid ongoing regional hostilities and the looming threat of escalation between Iran and the United States, diplomats are rethinking how to secure the gulf countries. Long-term security arrangements have remained underdeveloped and overly reliant on external powers, leaving the area vulnerable to conflict.

In a recent lecture at Cambridge University, Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi proposed a non-aggression pact among all eight Gulf littoral states. This group includes the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council alongside Iraq and Iran. Albusaidi described the agreement as an essential prerequisite for an inclusive regional security architecture. The proposal builds on a historic precedent from November 1976, when the foreign ministers of all eight littoral states met in Muscat to pursue collective security following Britain's withdrawal.

Oman proposes an eight-nation Gulf non-aggression pact to build inclusive regional security.

Achieving such a framework will be challenging, particularly given deep-seated distrust and historical grievances. Past proposals, including the Hormuz Peace Endeavour launched by Iran in 2019 and recent diplomatic discussions involving Saudi Arabia and Qatar, faced skepticism due to concerns over Iran's support for armed groups. Oman itself formally protested to Iran following recent drone attacks. Proponents argue that membership must bind all signatories equally, anchoring the pact in observable conduct, reciprocal restraint, and clear consequences for violations.

Negotiations could adopt a gradual approach starting with minimum shared interests such as territorial security, reliable energy exports, and civilian protection. Initial confidence-building measures might include military hotlines, maritime encounter rules, and understandings regarding the protection of energy facilities and commercial shipping. While the pact would not resolve every conflict or bind external powers like the United States and Israel, supporters believe it could make it significantly harder for regional disputes to erupt into open warfare among signatories.

Why it matters

This diplomatic push could reshape diplomatic relations across the Middle East by establishing binding rules to reduce hostilities. Oman is in a unique position to mediate talks on a security arrangement that could stabilise the region.