The Sultanate of Oman expressed sadness over the recent crisis between several Arab states and Lebanon, calling for restraint and avoiding escalation. The Omani Foreign Ministry stated in a statement published by the Oman News Agency on Twitter that the Sultanate "deeply regrets the deterioration of relations between several Arab countries and the Lebanese Republic." The statement added that the Sultanate urges "everyone to exercise restraint and work to avoid escalation and resolve differences through dialogue and understanding, in a way that preserves the higher interests of the brotherly countries and their peoples in security, stability, and cooperation based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs."
The crisis escalated in recent days after the publication of old statements by Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi last Tuesday, which sparked a political crisis with Saudi Arabia and Gulf states. Kordahi's remarks, made before he assumed office, stated that the "Ansar Allah" group, which is being fought against by the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia, is defending itself against "aggressions," describing the war in Yemen as "futile" and one that should end.
Following the publication of these statements, Saudi Arabia summoned its ambassador to Lebanon on Friday for consultations and requested the Lebanese ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours. Additionally, Saudi Arabia decided to halt all Lebanese imports to the kingdom. Following Saudi Arabia's decision, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE announced the withdrawal of their ambassadors from Lebanon in solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
