Why is France betting on Oman amid the Hormuz crisis?
Key takeaways
- After months of crisis in the Middle East, France is looking to build its influence in the region by strengthening relations with Oman – a small country long seen as a quiet, neutral regional player.
- Their message was clear: France and Oman are set to deepen economic ties.
- "I'm eager to cooperate more and grow our relationship," Macron said, announcing a series of major contracts for French companies.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
After months of crisis in the Middle East, France is looking to build its influence in the region by strengthening relations with Oman – a small country long seen as a quiet, neutral regional player. On his first state visit to France, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced a string of major contracts for French companies.
By: Sophian Aubin French President Emmanuel Macron, right, greets the Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq before a meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris on June 29, 2026. © Michel Euler, AP French President Emmanuel Macron, sporting his now-infamous aviator sunglasses, and Oman’s turbaned sultan made a striking pair as they shook hands for reporters before their meeting at Paris’s Élysée Palace on Monday. Their message was clear: France and Oman are set to deepen economic ties.
"I'm eager to cooperate more and grow our relationship," Macron said, announcing a series of major contracts for French companies. The sultan responded in kind: "We are opening our doors to all new business partners."