IRIA News

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Oman’s foreign minister held talks with his Saudi counterpart in Riyadh on December 31, 2025, focused on containing the latest escalation in Yemen and reviving efforts toward a political settlement, as tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE continued to reverberate across the region.

Oman’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi met Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to discuss developments in Yemen and their implications for regional security and stability.

The talks emphasized the need to contain escalation and support a political track aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving a comprehensive and sustainable settlement.

According to the Omani statement, both sides stressed preserving Yemen’s sovereignty and stability while safeguarding the security interests of neighboring countries. Oman reiterated its long-standing position that dialogue and de-escalation remain the only viable path toward ending the conflict.

Bilateral Ties and Regional Security

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said bin Farhan and Albusaidi reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields. The two ministers also exchanged views on regional developments and underlined the importance of continuing joint efforts to promote security and stability.

The meeting underscored close coordination between Riyadh and Muscat at a moment of heightened regional sensitivity, with Yemen once again emerging as a focal point of Gulf diplomatic engagement.

Saudi officials described the talks as part of broader efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Yemen, which has remained fragile despite intermittent diplomatic initiatives and periods of relative calm.

Tensions Flare after Mukalla Strike

The Riyadh meeting came a day after sharp tensions erupted between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over Yemen, following an airstrike by the Arab coalition targeting two ships at the port of Mukalla in the country’s south.

The strike triggered a rapid escalation in political rhetoric and diplomatic moves, exposing deepening fractures within the Saudi-led coalition that has been involved in Yemen for nearly a decade.

Oman said on Tuesday it was closely monitoring developments related to Yemen and renewed its call for restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation. Muscat stressed the importance of respecting Yemen’s sovereignty, security, and stability amid the fast-moving dispute.

Yemen Cancels Defense Agreement with UAE

Amid the growing crisis, Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad Al Alimi announced the cancellation of a joint defense agreement with the UAE. He also ordered all Emirati forces to leave Yemen within 24 hours, a move that marked a dramatic escalation in relations between Abu Dhabi and Yemen’s internationally recognized leadership.

Yemen’s Foreign Ministry accused the UAE of pushing the Southern Transitional Council (STC), a powerful southern separatist group backed by Abu Dhabi, to carry out military operations along Saudi Arabia’s southern border in the provinces of Hadramout and Mahra.

In a strongly worded statement, the ministry described Saudi national security as a “red line” and warned that Yemen would take all necessary measures to counter any threats to the kingdom’s safety.

UAE Rejects Accusations

The UAE rejected what it described as “allegations” that it had directed STC forces to conduct military operations affecting Saudi security. Emirati officials stressed their country’s commitment to the safety and security of Saudi Arabia and denied involvement in actions that could undermine regional stability.

The Emirati Defense Ministry later said it had completed the mission of its remaining counterterrorism teams in Yemen. It added that the UAE had ended its military presence in the country in 2019 as part of the Saudi-led coalition, signaling that its current role was limited and operationally concluded.

Despite these assurances, the dispute has highlighted widening differences between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi over Yemen’s future, particularly regarding the role of southern separatist forces and the structure of post-conflict governance.

Clashes with UAE-backed Forces

In recent weeks, Saudi-led coalition forces have clashed with UAE-backed southern separatists in parts of Yemen, according to regional officials. These confrontations have raised concerns about a fragmentation of authority on the ground and the potential for intra-coalition conflict to further complicate an already protracted war.

The UAE’s announcement that it is ending its remaining military mission in Yemen has added to uncertainty over the balance of power in the south and the future alignment of local armed groups.

Analysts say the latest escalation risks undermining efforts to stabilize Yemen and could weaken coordinated Gulf approaches to security at a time of broader regional volatility.

Oman’s Mediating Role

Oman has long positioned itself as a neutral mediator in the Yemen conflict, maintaining open channels with all major parties. Muscat has consistently advocated for political dialogue and confidence-building measures, including ceasefires and humanitarian access.

The Wednesday meeting in Riyadh reinforced Oman’s role as a key diplomatic interlocutor, particularly as relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE face renewed strain.

Both Muscat and Riyadh emphasized the urgency of preventing further escalation and keeping the focus on a political process that could bring lasting stability to Yemen and the wider region.

As tensions continue to unfold, the talks signaled a shared interest between Oman and Saudi Arabia in containing fallout from the latest crisis and preventing Yemen from becoming a renewed flashpoint for intra-Gulf rivalries.