•Oman, known as the 'Switzerland of the Middle East' and a key US-Iran mediator, was targeted by Iranian drones and projectiles on March 1-2, 2026, despite its diplomatic efforts.
•Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed these strikes were "not the government's choice," attributing them to independent military units, but analysts suggest it was a message that no safe havens exist in "total war."
•The targeting of Oman shattered its "mediator's shield," exposing fragile unity among Muslim nations and pushing some Gulf states into closer military alignment with the West.
•Arab countries have refrained from direct retaliation against Iran due to economic vulnerability, fear of an imploding Iranian state, the 'Muslim Ummah' factor, and their role as potential mediators.
•The conflict has effectively ended the era where a nation could be a "friend to all" in the Persian Gulf, forcing all regional actors to choose sides.
