**US Foreign Policy Called into Question as Oman Accuses Israel of Influencing Iran War Decision** In a recent article published in *The Economist*, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi has made a striking claim: that the United States has "lost control of its own foreign policy" and that Israel's influence led to the country's decision to go to war with Iran. Albusaidi describes the conflict as a "catastrophe" and a "grave miscalculation." This assertion comes as the latest nuclear talks between Iran and world powers continue, with Oman having played a crucial role in mediating these negotiations. The conflict with Iran began in 2019, when the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal negotiated between Iran and world powers. The US subsequently imposed economic sanctions on Iran, leading to a significant escalation of tensions between the two countries. The situation reached a boiling point in January 2020, when the US assassinated top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike, prompting Iran to retaliate with missile strikes against US military bases in Iraq. In his article, Albusaidi suggests that the US decision to go to war with Iran was influenced by Israel's concerns about Iran's nuclear program. He argues that the US, under the Trump administration, prioritized Israel's interests over its own, leading to a series of miscalculations that ultimately resulted in the conflict. Albusaidi's comments are significant, as Oman has long been a key player in regional diplomacy and has maintained good relations with both the US and Iran. Albusaidi's assertion that the US has "lost control of its own foreign policy" is also noteworthy, as it reflects a growing concern among some regional players that the US is no longer able to effectively navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Middle East. The Omani minister's comments come at a time when the US is facing growing challenges in the region, including a deteriorating relationship with Iran and a worsening conflict in Yemen. The latest nuclear talks between Iran and world powers, which have been mediated by Oman, have made little progress so far. The talks, which began in April 2021, have been stalled due to disagreements over Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions. Albusaidi's comments highlight the complexity of the issues at play and the need for a more nuanced approach to regional diplomacy.