United States–Oman Military Partnership

In the high-stakes chess game of Middle Eastern geopolitics, Oman has excelled in the art of diplomacy, maintaining strong military ties with the U.S. while preserving relationships with Iran and other Gulf states. Unlike other U.S. Gulf partners, Oman rarely makes headlines for military interventions, yet it is home to some of the most strategically significant U.S. military access points in the region. The deep-water port at Duqm and airbases across the countryprovide the U.S. with crucial logistics, refueling, and naval deployment capabilities, ensuring a flexible and enduring presence in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

History

• Early Ties & Cold War Cooperation (1970s–1990s): Oman signed its first military access agreement with the U.S. in 1980, allowing U.S. forces to use Omani bases for regional security operations.
• Gulf War & War on Terror (1990s–2000s): Oman played a key role in supporting U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, hosting logistics hubs and refueling stations.
• Expanded Defense Cooperation (2019–Present): The 2019 U.S.-Oman Military Access Agreement granted the U.S. greater access to Omani ports and airfields, strengthening naval and air operations in the Gulf region.

Key Characteristics

• Strategic Military Bases & Port Access:
  • Duqm Port: A deep-water port capable of hosting U.S. aircraft carriers and naval ships, ensuring rapid deployment capabilities in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf.
  • Thumrait & Masirah Air Bases: Used for U.S. Air Force refueling, logistics, and air operations.
• Joint Military Exercises & Security Cooperation:
  • Khanjar Oman: A U.S.-Omani joint military exercise focused on desert warfare and special operations training.
  • Eagle Resolve: A multinational Gulf security exercise led by the U.S. with Oman’s participation.
• Maritime Security & Counterterrorism:
  • Oman supports U.S. anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.
  • The partnership strengthens counterterrorism efforts against extremist groups in the region.

Strategic Importance

• Persian Gulf & Indian Ocean Access: Oman’s cooperation enhances U.S. naval and air mobility in the region.
• Maritime Security & Trade Protection: U.S.-Omani efforts help secure vital sea lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil shipments.
• Countering Regional Threats: The U.S.-Oman partnership supports intelligence-sharing and counterterrorismefforts against Iran-backed militants and extremist groups.

Links

• U.S.-Oman Military Access Agreement (2019)
• Duqm Port & U.S. Naval Operations
• Oman’s Role in Gulf Security