Iran’s Supreme Leader has called on Muslim countries, particularly the Gulf states, to unite against what he described as their “real enemy,” warning that divisions among Muslim nations only serve those seeking to weaken the region.

In a written message marking Islamic Unity Week, the Iranian leader said Muslim unity was a key foundation for building what he described as a victorious Islamic civilisation. He also urged Muslim countries to understand the plans of their adversaries and confront what he sees as common threats.

The message comes as Gulf states face growing security concerns amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. Countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Qatar have longstanding security ties with Washington while simultaneously maintaining important economic and political relationships across the wider region.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Calls For Muslim Unity | Gulf States Face Growing Security & Economic Pressure

West Asia remains on edge as Iran and Oman move closer to finalizing a Strait of Hormuz shipping agreement while tensions continue to rise across the region. Israel has launched fresh strikes on southern Lebanon, with the IDF citing Hezbollah ceasefire violations. At the same time, Iran has reportedly warned Gulf nations that their energy infrastructure could become targets if they fail to persuade the United States to halt military action.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to delay military action and prioritize diplomacy. Meanwhile, Washington continues to express frustration over stalled talks with Tehran, even as negotiations over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz continue through Oman.

Iran Warns Gulf States | Israel Strikes Lebanon as Hormuz Talks Continue | West Asia Crisis

West Asia is witnessing another dangerous escalation despite reports that Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have heightened tensions, even as diplomatic efforts continue between Israel and Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly warned Gulf nations that any fresh U.S. military action could trigger retaliation against critical infrastructure, including oil fields, refineries, electricity grids, water facilities, and transport networks. The developments come as Washington continues to pursue negotiations with Tehran while expressing concerns over divisions within Iran's leadership.

As uncertainty grows over the future of the Hormuz shipping route and the fragile Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, fears of a broader regional conflict continue to mount.

Iran Warns Gulf States of Retaliation | Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Lebanon | GRAVITAS 

US President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that the United States had been preparing to launch a military attack on Iran on Tuesday, but said he had decided to halt the operation after requests from key Gulf leaders as “serious negotiations” with Tehran continue.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that a US military assault on Iran had been scheduled for Tuesday but Gulf leaders, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had urged him to delay the strike.

Trump Says Attack Put on Hold At Request of Gulf States

US Ready For 'Full, Large Scale Assault' If No Agreement Reached

Iran has issued a strong warning to Gulf nations, cautioning them against supporting any military action led by the United States.

Officials, including commanders from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have warned that allowing US forces to use regional territory or bases could trigger serious consequences—including threats to oil production and key infrastructure across the Gulf.

Iran Warns Gulf States Against Supporting US Action

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia ‌Meloni flew to Saudi Arabia on Friday for a previously unannounced trip that will also include meetings in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, a government official said.
Meloni travelled to Jeddah for the first visit by a ​European Union leader to Saudi Arabia since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran ​in February and was due to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later ⁠in the day, the official said.

Energy Security Drives Italian PM Meloni's Two-day Gulf Visit

Iran has launched strikes targeting critical Gulf energy infrastructure after earlier attacks on its strategic South Pars gas field, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing US-Iran war. The retaliation reportedly hit major oil and gas facilities across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain, disrupting operations and raising fears of a wider regional energy conflict.


US-Iran War: Iran Hits Gulf's Critical Energy Grid After South Pars Strike

US-Iran War: Iran Strikes Gulf's Critical Energy Grid After South Pars Strike

As the gulf fallout sends shockwaves through global energy markets, governments across the world are scrambling to protect their economies from severe fuel shortages. Here’s your visual guide to how the world is responding to the global energy crisis.
Take a look.


How Nations Are Shielding Fuel Supply

Iran has intensified missile and drone assaults across multiple Gulf states as part of its retaliation in the broader US-Israel-Iran conflict that erupted in late February 2026. Tehran has targeted energy infrastructure, ports, US military sites and commercial facilities in countries including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, prompting air‑defense engagements, brief airspace closures and damage to civilian and military installations. 


US-Iran War: Iran Steps Up Missile, Drone Attacks Across Gulf States 

The price of oil and natural gas soared, as escalating attacks in the Persian Gulf caused long-term damage to major energy facilities. The third week of the war is already reshaping the global energy market for years to come.
Qatar said Iran strike damage to its key gas plant will take years to repair.

Historic Divergence: Oil Prices Across Regions

India has escalated its energy security response amid the ongoing West Asia fallout.
In a significant move, the government has now classified energy data as a national security matter, mandating real-time disclosures across the oil and gas chain. This comes even as officials admit the war is impacting supplies, but insist there’s no price hike yet. So what’s really happening on the ground?

India Tightens Grip on Oil, Gas Data

The US‑Iran war is casting a shadow over President Donald Trump’s high‑value deals with Gulf states, as sovereign partners begin reviewing major investment commitments to the United States amid rising geopolitical and economic strain.


US-Iran War: Iran War Risks Significant Downsizing of Trump's Lofty Deals

Explosions have been reported in Doha, Qatar, after authorities evacuated key areas in the city.

Witnesses reported loud blasts across parts of the capital following the evacuation, though details about the cause and damage remain unclear. Officials have not yet released full information on the incident.


US-Iran War: Tehran Launches Fresh Wave of Aerial Strikes on Gulf States

In the ongoing US‑Iran war, Iran has been launching waves of missiles and drones across Gulf skies in retaliation for strikes by the United States and Israel. Air defence systems in countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have intercepted hundreds of Iranian projectiles, including ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, as tensions spiral and civilian areas face heightened aerial threats.


US-Iran War: Missiles, Drones Streak Across Gulf Skies Amid Iranian Retaliation 

#Gravitas Since the war, more than 2,000 Iranian missiles and drones have been reportedly launched across the region. Yet despite this barrage, Gulf governments are largely holding their fire.


US-Iran War: Why Gulf Nations Aren’t Hitting Back at Iran

Bahrain’s state oil company on Monday declared force majeure on its shipments after Iranian strikes in the region set the largest oil facility on fire, escalating tensions across the Gulf’s vital energy corridor.
Bapco said all domestic market needs remain fully secured and supplies will continue without disruption, supported by proactive contingency plans.

US-Iran War: Bahrain's BAPCO Declares 'Force Majeure' After Strikes

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring Gulf countries for attacks launched during the ongoing Israel–Iran war, saying Tehran did not intend to target neighbouring states and would refrain from striking them unless they were used to launch attacks against Iran.


Israel-Iran War: Iranian President Pezeshkian Apologises While IRGC Issues Warning

Iran has launched a massive wave of drones and ballistic missiles targeting several Gulf countries as the U.S.–Iran war intensifies. Attacks have been reported toward the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, with many missiles and drones intercepted by regional air-defense systems.

Gulf States In The Crosshairs Of US-Iran War 

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologised to neighbouring countries after Iranian missile and drone attacks rattled several Gulf states. He said Tehran will avoid targeting regional nations unless attacks originate from their territory, a policy approved by Iran’s interim leadership council following the death of Ali Khamenei.


US-Iran War: Tussle Over President Pezeshkian's Apology To Gulf States

The US-Iran war continues to widen as Tehran launches retaliatory missile and drone attacks against United States, Israeli, and allied positions across the Gulf region following intense U.S.–Israel strikes on Iranian territory. Iran has targeted U.S. military bases, Gulf states’ cities and infrastructure, and energy facilities, while American and Israeli forces press on with bombardments inside Iran. 


US-Iran War: Iran's Retaliation Against US, Israel Pulls Gulf into Conflict

Qatar says it has dismantled two spy cells linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to state media. The cells were allegedly involved in intelligence gathering and covert operations in the Gulf region. Authorities confirmed that the operatives were arrested, and investigations are ongoing.


Qatar Dismantles Iranian Spy Cells Amid Rising Gulf Tension

Qatar has strongly condemned Iranian missile attacks on its territory and other Gulf states, calling them a violation of national sovereignty and an “unacceptable escalation” that threatens regional stability. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said it reserves the right to respond in accordance with international law after Iranian missiles were reported targeting locations including Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base and other Gulf military sites. Doha described the strikes as a direct threat to security and peace in the region.


Qatar Warns Iran: 'Crisis Will Be Solved at The Dialogue Table'

Iran remains politically apart from much of the Gulf largely because of its revolutionary ideology and continued support for its network of regional proxies, known as the 'axis of resistance', including Hezbollah and allied groups.

Iran remains politically apart from much of the Gulf largely because of its revolutionary ideology and continued support for its network of regional proxies, known as the 'axis of resistance', including Hezbollah and allied groups.

'Ideology, proxy wars and sectarian tensions:' Why Iran and parts of the Gulf remain divided?

Tehran has told Gulf Arab states it would be "unacceptable" if they allowed use of their airspace or military bases against Iran and warned that any such move would draw a response, a senior Iranian official said.

The official also said any action by Gulf states to balance oil markets should Iranian energy facilities be hit by Israel was not part of the discussions so far.

The comments come amid growing concern over possible Israeli retaliation for last week's Iranian missile attack, as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visits Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states including Qatar for talks on Wednesday.

They followed discussions between Iran and Gulf Arab capitals last week on the sidelines of an Asia conference in Qatar, when Gulf states sought to reassure Iran of their neutrality in any conflict between Tehran and Israel.

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"Iran made it clear that any action by a Persian Gulf country against Tehran, whether through the use of airspace or military bases, will be regarded by Tehran as an action taken by the entire group, and Tehran will respond accordingly," the senior Iranian official told Reuters.

"The message emphasised the need for regional unity against Israel and the importance of securing stability," he said.

"It also made clear that any assistance to Israel, such as allowing the use of a regional country’s airspace for actions against Iran, is unacceptable."

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden is expected to hold a telephone call on Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that will include discussion of any plans to strike Iran, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Washington hopes to weigh in on whether the response is appropriate, a separate person briefed on the discussions said. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Biden said last Friday he would think about alternatives to striking Iranian oil fields if he were in Israel's shoes. Last week he also said he would not support Israel striking Iranian nuclear sites.

<h2>OPEC ACTION NOT PART OF DISCUSSIONS</h2>

The Iranian official said Tehran did not discuss the issue of Gulf Arab oil producers raising output if Iranian production were disrupted during any escalation.

US&nbsp;news website Axios, citing Israeli officials, reported last week that Israel could target oil production facilities within Iran as retaliation.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, which is de-facto led by Saudi Arabia, has enough spare oil capacity to make up any loss of Iranian supply if an Israeli retaliation knocks out some of the country's facilities.

Much of OPEC's spare capacity is in the Middle East Gulf region. Iran has not threatened to attack Gulf oil facilities but has previously warned that if "Israel supporters" intervene directly their interests in the region would be targeted.

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia has had a political rapprochement with Tehran in recent years, which has helped ease regional tensions, but relations remain difficult.

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Saudi Arabia has been wary of an Iranian strike on its oil facilities since a 2019 attack on its key refinery at Abqaiq briefly shut down more than five per cent&nbsp;of the global oil supply. Iran denied involvement.

A Western diplomat in the Gulf said that during Thursday's Gulf-Iran meeting in Doha, Iran made clear that Tehran had called for regional unity in the face of an Israeli attack and that it considered neutrality of Gulf states a bare minimum.

The diplomat said Iran had made clear that Tehran would keep a close eye on how each Gulf country responded in the case of an Israeli attack, and also how US&nbsp;bases housed in their countries were used.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all host US&nbsp;military facilities or troops.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tehran has told Gulf Arab states it would be "unacceptable" if they allowed use of their airspace or military bases against Iran and warned that any such move would draw a response, a senior Iranian official said.

Tehran has told Gulf Arab states it would be "unacceptable" if they allowed use of their airspace or military bases against Iran and warned that any such move would draw a response, a senior Iranian official said. The official also said any action by Gulf states to balance oil markets should Iranian energy facilities be hit by Israel was not part of the discussions so far. The comments come amid growing concern over possible Israeli retaliation for last week's Iranian missile attack, as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visits Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states including Qatar for talks on Wednesday. They followed discussions between Iran and Gulf Arab capitals last week on the sidelines of an Asia conference in Qatar, when Gulf states sought to reassure Iran of their neutrality in any conflict between Tehran and Israel. Also Read | Nobel Peace Prize winner 2024: Know all about Nihon Hidankyo group "Iran made it clear that any action by a Persian Gulf country against Tehran, whether through the use of airspace or military bases, will be regarded by Tehran as an action taken by the entire group, and Tehran will respond accordingly," the senior Iranian official told Reuters. "The message emphasised the need for regional unity against Israel and the importance of securing stability," he said. "It also made clear that any assistance to Israel, such as allowing the use of a regional country’s airspace for actions against Iran, is unacceptable." US President Joe Biden is expected to hold a telephone call on Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that will include discussion of any plans to strike Iran, according to a person familiar with the matter. Washington hopes to weigh in on whether the response is appropriate, a separate person briefed on the discussions said. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Biden said last Friday he would think about alternatives to striking Iranian oil fields if he were in Israel's shoes. Last week he also said he would not support Israel striking Iranian nuclear sites. OPEC ACTION NOT PART OF DISCUSSIONS The Iranian official said Tehran did not discuss the issue of Gulf Arab oil producers raising output if Iranian production were disrupted during any escalation. US news website Axios, citing Israeli officials, reported last week that Israel could target oil production facilities within Iran as retaliation. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, which is de-facto led by Saudi Arabia, has enough spare oil capacity to make up any loss of Iranian supply if an Israeli retaliation knocks out some of the country's facilities. Much of OPEC's spare capacity is in the Middle East Gulf region. Iran has not threatened to attack Gulf oil facilities but has previously warned that if "Israel supporters" intervene directly their interests in the region would be targeted. Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia has had a political rapprochement with Tehran in recent years, which has helped ease regional tensions, but relations remain difficult. Also Read | Obama tells Black men to stop 'excuses' and support Harris instead of Trump Saudi Arabia has been wary of an Iranian strike on its oil facilities since a 2019 attack on its key refinery at Abqaiq briefly shut down more than five per cent of the global oil supply. Iran denied involvement. A Western diplomat in the Gulf said that during Thursday's Gulf-Iran meeting in Doha, Iran made clear that Tehran had called for regional unity in the face of an Israeli attack and that it considered neutrality of Gulf states a bare minimum. The diplomat said Iran had made clear that Tehran would keep a close eye on how each Gulf country responded in the case of an Israeli attack, and also how US bases housed in their countries were used. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all host US military facilities or troops. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iranian official says Gulf states must not allow the use of airspace against Iran

Iran has warned that it will use weapons “never used before” against Israel if it carries out “any adventure”. “(If Israel) seeks adventure, our next response will be immediate, stronger and more extensive,” Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said while speaking to UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. Meanwhile West Asian nations are calling for de-escalation of the conflict...Watch in or more details!

Iran attacks Israel: Gulf states fear conflict will threaten their security and economy

A trump family member and his links to West Asia is making news. Jared Kushner's private equity firm has signed a deal with a company connected to the Israeli Defence industry...Watch in for more details!

Gulf states investing in Israel? | The Jared Kushner Gulf-Israel link | West Asia

Gulf states criticized India over 'insulting' comments made by a ruling party spokesperson against Prophet Muhammed. Why are the same Gulf states silent about China’s Uighur genocide? How has India reacted? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Gulf states slam India for ‘insulting the Prophet'

Lebanon's government cannot afford to resign over a growing diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia and some Gulf states, a member of a Lebanese crisis group of ministers said on Saturday following a near three-hour meeting over the widening rift.

"The country cannot be left without a government," due to other pressing matters, and would continue to work to resolve the rift, Education Minister Abbas Halabi said after the meeting.

The row over critical comments made by Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen had spurred calls by some top politicians for Kordahi's resignation, while others opposed the move.

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Saudi Arabia expelled Lebanon's envoy and banned all Lebanese imports on Friday, and Bahrain and Kuwait followed suit, giving the top Lebanese diplomats 48 hours to exit.

Kordahi's resignation would have knock-on effects that could threaten Prime Minister Najib Mikati`s coalition government.

But Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Mikati's contacts with officials from a number of states showed opposition to the resignation of the government, formed only last month after a 13-month stalemate.

"They told Mikati, 'if you are thinking about resignation, take that out of your head'," he said.

Richard Michaels, deputy head of the US&nbsp;mission in Lebanon, had joined the crisis meeting in Beirut, a US&nbsp;Embassy spokesperson said, declining to comment further.

Mikati had asked Kordahi on Friday to consider Lebanons "national interests" but stopped short of asking for his resignation.

Kordahi has been publicly backed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group and has declined to apologise or resign over the comments, which have dealt the worst blow to Saudi-Lebanese relations since Saad al-Hariri's 2017 detention in Riyadh.

National interests

The minister's political patron, Suleiman Frangieh of the Hezbollah-allied Marada Movement, told a news conference he had refused an offer by Kordahi to resign and would not name a successor to him should he do so.

Yet a group of former Lebanese prime ministers called on Saturday for Kordahi to resign, saying his comments had inflicted a strong blow to relations with Gulf Arab nations.

Fouad Seniora, Hariri and Tammam Sallam, some of the country's top Sunni politicians, said in the statement that Kordahi's remarks "harmed Lebanon's supreme national interest".

If Kordahi resigns, ministers backed by Hezbollah and its Amal ally could follow suit at a time when the government is already paralysed by a dispute over an inquiry into the August 2020 explosion that devastated parts of Beirut.

A senior political source told Reuters that the United States and European nations were in contact with Lebanese officials to prevent the government from falling and there were no immediate indications any ministers would resign.

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The row comes as Lebanon struggles with a financial crisis dubbed by the World Bank as one of the worst in modern history.

Mikati has been hoping to improve ties with Gulf Arab states strained for years because of the influence wielded in Beirut by the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Saudi Arabia had already in April banned all fruit and vegetable imports from Lebanon, blaming an increase in drug smuggling that it said Lebanon had failed to address, a ban now extended to all goods.

The Arab League said in a statement on Saturday it was concerned about the souring of Lebanese-Gulf relations and appealed to Gulf countries "to reflect on the measures proposed to be taken &nbsp;in order to avoid further negative effects on the collapsing Lebanese economy".

Lebanon's government cannot afford to resign over a growing diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia and some Gulf states, a member of a Lebanese crisis group of ministers said on Saturday following a near three-hour meeting over the widening rift.

Lebanon's government cannot afford to resign over a growing diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia and some Gulf states, a member of a Lebanese crisis group of ministers said on Saturday following a near three-hour meeting over the widening rift. "The country cannot be left without a government," due to other pressing matters, and would continue to work to resolve the rift, Education Minister Abbas Halabi said after the meeting. The row over critical comments made by Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen had spurred calls by some top politicians for Kordahi's resignation, while others opposed the move. Also Read | Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a 'psychopath' and 'killer': Ex-spy Saudi Arabia expelled Lebanon's envoy and banned all Lebanese imports on Friday, and Bahrain and Kuwait followed suit, giving the top Lebanese diplomats 48 hours to exit. Kordahi's resignation would have knock-on effects that could threaten Prime Minister Najib Mikati`s coalition government. But Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said Mikati's contacts with officials from a number of states showed opposition to the resignation of the government, formed only last month after a 13-month stalemate. "They told Mikati, 'if you are thinking about resignation, take that out of your head'," he said. Richard Michaels, deputy head of the US mission in Lebanon, had joined the crisis meeting in Beirut, a US Embassy spokesperson said, declining to comment further. Mikati had asked Kordahi on Friday to consider Lebanons "national interests" but stopped short of asking for his resignation. Kordahi has been publicly backed by the Iran-backed Hezbollah armed group and has declined to apologise or resign over the comments, which have dealt the worst blow to Saudi-Lebanese relations since Saad al-Hariri's 2017 detention in Riyadh. National interests The minister's political patron, Suleiman Frangieh of the Hezbollah-allied Marada Movement, told a news conference he had refused an offer by Kordahi to resign and would not name a successor to him should he do so. Yet a group of former Lebanese prime ministers called on Saturday for Kordahi to resign, saying his comments had inflicted a strong blow to relations with Gulf Arab nations. Fouad Seniora, Hariri and Tammam Sallam, some of the country's top Sunni politicians, said in the statement that Kordahi's remarks "harmed Lebanon's supreme national interest". If Kordahi resigns, ministers backed by Hezbollah and its Amal ally could follow suit at a time when the government is already paralysed by a dispute over an inquiry into the August 2020 explosion that devastated parts of Beirut. A senior political source told Reuters that the United States and European nations were in contact with Lebanese officials to prevent the government from falling and there were no immediate indications any ministers would resign. Also Read | Lebanon families spending five times minimum wage on food alone: Study The row comes as Lebanon struggles with a financial crisis dubbed by the World Bank as one of the worst in modern history. Mikati has been hoping to improve ties with Gulf Arab states strained for years because of the influence wielded in Beirut by the Iran-backed Hezbollah. Saudi Arabia had already in April banned all fruit and vegetable imports from Lebanon, blaming an increase in drug smuggling that it said Lebanon had failed to address, a ban now extended to all goods. The Arab League said in a statement on Saturday it was concerned about the souring of Lebanese-Gulf relations and appealed to Gulf countries "to reflect on the measures proposed to be taken in order to avoid further negative effects on the collapsing Lebanese economy".

Lebanon says government can't afford to resign as Saudi rift widens

Citizens of Oman took the streets on Wednesday for the fourth day of demonstrations, braving a heavy security presence to demand that the country's ruler follow through on promises to create thousands of jobs.

Hundreds of&nbsp;Omani&nbsp;men demonstrated in the northern port city of Sohar, a focal point of protests that pose the biggest challenge yet to new ruler Sultan Haitham, social media postings showed.

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One activist told Reuters that&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;temporarily stopped traffic on the main road and clashed with security forces. The British-based&nbsp;Omani&nbsp;Centre for Human Rights tweeted reports of police firing tear gas, reports that Reuters could not confirm.

State news agency ONA published an unsourced statement, saying attacks on public property contradict&nbsp;Omani&nbsp;norms and that police "fulfilled their duty to maintain public order and safety without infringing on freedoms".

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Unemployment was the main driver behind Arab Spring-like protests in Oman in 2011 that subsided after the then ruler sacked the government, created thousands of jobs and gave money to the unemployed.

Sultan Haitham on Tuesday gave new directives to create up to 32,000 full and part-time government jobs.

But Haitham, who assumed power in January 2020 following the 50-year reign of the late Sultan Qaboos, has been constrained by the impact of low oil prices and COVID-19 on the economy of the relatively small energy producer which has high levels of debt.

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He has enacted long-delayed reforms to ease pressure on state finances, including introducing a value-added tax.

"We want jobs to support our families and build our futures. These are basic rights but we have been deprived of them," one man said in video footage on Tuesday evening in Sohar published on Twitter by private&nbsp;Omani&nbsp;radio station Hala FM.

"They make promises but there is nothing," he said.

Another man in the video, also not identified by name, lamented changes in Sohar's social fabric in the past two decades as it transformed into an industrial zone.

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"The country puts expats ahead of us," he said.

Protests were reported in several other towns this week.

"We see little prospect of unemployment coming down meaningfully in the coming months," said Amir Khan, senior economist at Saudi National Bank, citing the government's constrained ability to ramp up public expenditure.

Khan said the protests once again raise the prospect of Oman turning to wealthy Gulf neighbours, which Muscat said last year it was in talks with for financial support.

Citizens of Oman took the streets on Wednesday for the fourth day of demonstrations, braving a heavy security presence to demand that the country's ruler follow through on promises to create thousands of jobs.

Citizens of Oman took the streets on Wednesday for the fourth day of demonstrations, braving a heavy security presence to demand that the country's ruler follow through on promises to create thousands of jobs. Hundreds of Omani men demonstrated in the northern port city of Sohar, a focal point of protests that pose the biggest challenge yet to new ruler Sultan Haitham, social media postings showed. Also Read | Israeli politician hints at peace accords with Oman, Indonesia at WION Global Summit One activist told Reuters that protesters temporarily stopped traffic on the main road and clashed with security forces. The British-based Omani Centre for Human Rights tweeted reports of police firing tear gas, reports that Reuters could not confirm. State news agency ONA published an unsourced statement, saying attacks on public property contradict Omani norms and that police "fulfilled their duty to maintain public order and safety without infringing on freedoms". Also Read | Left in the desert: Coronavirus cripples Gulf economies Unemployment was the main driver behind Arab Spring-like protests in Oman in 2011 that subsided after the then ruler sacked the government, created thousands of jobs and gave money to the unemployed. Sultan Haitham on Tuesday gave new directives to create up to 32,000 full and part-time government jobs. But Haitham, who assumed power in January 2020 following the 50-year reign of the late Sultan Qaboos, has been constrained by the impact of low oil prices and COVID-19 on the economy of the relatively small energy producer which has high levels of debt. Also Read | Oman blocks Clubhouse, app used for free debates in Mideast He has enacted long-delayed reforms to ease pressure on state finances, including introducing a value-added tax. "We want jobs to support our families and build our futures. These are basic rights but we have been deprived of them," one man said in video footage on Tuesday evening in Sohar published on Twitter by private Omani radio station Hala FM. "They make promises but there is nothing," he said. Another man in the video, also not identified by name, lamented changes in Sohar's social fabric in the past two decades as it transformed into an industrial zone. Also Read | Omanis revive memory of village swallowed by desert "The country puts expats ahead of us," he said. Protests were reported in several other towns this week. "We see little prospect of unemployment coming down meaningfully in the coming months," said Amir Khan, senior economist at Saudi National Bank, citing the government's constrained ability to ramp up public expenditure. Khan said the protests once again raise the prospect of Oman turning to wealthy Gulf neighbours, which Muscat said last year it was in talks with for financial support.

Jobs, not promises: Omanis protest for fourth day

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