Iran Prefers Omani Mediation for Negotiations with Washington
Iranian diplomatic maneuvering in rejecting direct negotiations while accepting Omani mediation reflects an attempt to save face domestically while keeping international dialogue channels open amid in
April 7, 2025, 11:58 pm

Iran Prefers Omani Mediation for Negotiations with Washington

أمريكا وإيران \ تعبيرية \ متداول

A senior Iranian official revealed instructions from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to place the armed forces on maximum alert, amid escalating verbal tension between Tehran and Washington, despite the Iranian side confirming its readiness for indirect negotiations with the US administration. This step reflects the state of anticipation and caution dominating the Iranian position amid increasing threats from the American side.

The Iranian official warned today, Sunday, that any attack on his country "would have dire consequences," according to Reuters. These statements come as a direct response to recent American threats, increasing tension between the two countries.

He explained that the Iranian authorities, who previously stated their refusal to hold direct talks with Washington regarding the nuclear agreement, are seeking to enter into dialogue through the Sultanate of Oman as a mediator. Omani mediation represents a middle ground for the Iranian side, which is trying to balance between domestic policy requirements and international pressures.

He added that "indirect negotiations provide an opportunity to assess the seriousness of America's intentions regarding a political solution to the Iranian issue." These statements indicate a kind of Iranian caution and suspicion toward American proposals, with a desire to test Washington's seriousness.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, for his part, emphasized earlier today the rejection of direct negotiations with the United States, but kept the field open for holding indirect talks about his country's nuclear program. The positions of Iranian officials reflect a consistent strategy that combines rejecting direct negotiation and accepting mediation.

The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, took the same approach, confirming that his country is not seeking war. This statement shows an Iranian attempt to calm tensions while maintaining a firm stance toward any potential threats.

At the same time, he indicated that Tehran would decisively confront any aggression targeting its territory, sovereignty, or security. These warnings represent a clear message to the US administration that Iran is ready to respond to any military escalation.

Those statements came after Trump announced last month that he sent a message to Khamenei on March 5, aiming to negotiate a new nuclear deal, giving Tehran a two-month deadline, and emphasizing his preference for dialogue over confrontation.

These correspondences reveal behind-the-scenes diplomatic attempts despite hardline public statements from both sides. The Iranian authorities responded to the mentioned message on the 30th of last month, explaining their readiness for indirect dialogue.

The option of indirect diplomacy remains Tehran's preferred path to exit the current crisis while maintaining its principled positions. Trump returned to threaten military confrontation if Iran rejected negotiations, while Khamenei warned that his country would deliver a painful blow to anyone who attacks it.

Fears of escalation possibilities increase in light of these mutual threats, making the role of Omani mediation extremely important in the coming period.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.