In a talk with ICANA, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, also highlighted the long-lasting relations between Tehran and Muscat, and stressed that the two sides are determined to promote cordial ties.
Following the passing of the Arab world’s longest-serving leader on Friday, Oman swore in Sultan Qaboos’ cousin Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, according to Financial Tribune.
The 79-year-old monarch did not have any children at the time of his death and named his successor, the then culture minister, as the new ruler in a letter which was opened posthumously.
Boroujerdi said Sultan Qaboos’ demise is a major loss for West Asia.
“We are hopeful and certain that his cousin Haitham will uphold the legacy of the late Sultan. Considering the policies of the friendly state, Oman will always have a positive approach to Iran. Since Haitham was Sultan Qaboos' confidant and his emissary to various countries, it appears that we will witness continuity in Oman's foreign policy," he said.
The influential Persian Gulf Arab state has helped sustain diplomatic contacts in the past decades between Tehran and Washington, and on several occasions served as a go-between for the two countries, which do not have formal relations.
The secret talks, which led to the conclusion of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, took place in Muscat. Sultan Qaboos also kept ties with Iran and Iraq during their eight-year-long war in the 80s.
In keeping with its neutral policy on the region, Oman has also tried to ease tensions between Tehran and other Middle East countries.
Sultan Qaboos’ successor was sworn into office on Saturday. In his first address to the nation, he assured the public that he will stick to Oman’s long-held foreign policy of “peaceful coexistence among peoples and countries without any interference in the domestic affairs of other states”, Aljazeera reported.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif paid his respects to the departed Sultan on Twitter and offered greetings to his successor, adding, "We are hopeful that our strong bilateral ties will continue to strengthen under the rule of Haitham."
Pointing to the widely praised track record of the late ruler, Boroujerdi said, "In the 50 years of his reign, Qaboos pulled his country from poverty, sought prosperity and progress, and was highly regarded as a role model among neighboring countries due to his moderate approach."