The Role of Ibadi Islam in the Middle East Foreign Policy of the Sultanate of Oman (1970-2026)

Abstract

Ibāḍism is one of the least studied branches of Islam in Central and Latin America. The same is true of the Sultanate of Oman, home to the largest Ibāḍī community in the world. Despite receiving comparatively little scholarly attention, Oman has established itself as a significant actor in Middle Eastern politics, not through regional interventionism like Saudi Arabia or Iran, but by pursuing a carefully crafted foreign policy based on neutrality, mediation, and dialogue. This article examines the extent to which Ibāḍī Islam has shaped the Sultanate’s foreign policy toward the Middle East. Focusing on the cases of Yemen, Iran, and the regional conflict between Israel and Palestine since 2023, the study explores the relationship between religious tradition and diplomatic practice. It argues that while Omani foreign policy is ultimately driven by strategic state interests, the historical principles and political culture associated with Ibāḍism have contributed to a distinctive diplomatic approach centered on moderation, coexistence, and conflict mediation.