Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister discusses development in Oman

It follows a visit from Oman's Foreign Minister to Iran

Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah met with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister on Sunday. AFP, file.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araji visited Muscat on Sunday to discuss regional development against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Tehran and the United States.

Mr Araji and the Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah discussed bilateral co-operation and regional issues, said a statement published by Oman's state news agency.

Mr bin Abdullah visited Tehran last week and offered to act as a broker of relations between Iran and the US.

Oman's foreign ministry said last week that it is trying to help to reduce tensions.

Also on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif visited Iraq, who also offered to mediate in the crisis.

Regional tensions were also escalated this month following an Iranian-backed Houthi drone attack on a Saudi Arabian oil installation.

The US and Iran have traded threats in recent week, with officials from each country saying they do not want war but showing they are prepared for it.