Forgetting their internal quarrels, this time the Muslim countries of the world including Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Iran, Oman are becoming one. Analysts see such a move by the Muslim world as the beginning of a new era. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan began a visit to Saudi Arabia at the end of April this year to restore strained relations. Ahead of the visit, he called Saudi Arabia a “brotherly” country and said he hoped the visit would usher in a new era of relations. According to the Turkish President’s Office, Erdogan visited Saudi Arabia at the request of King Salman. The visit is being held as a result of several months of efforts to develop the relationship.

On the other hand, Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi paid his first state visit to Oman on May 23 at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The much-discussed Iran-Oman gas line has made headlines again during his visit. The proposed pipeline will carry Iranian gas through the bottom of the sea to neighboring Oman.

This long-lost project could be revived in the midst of a global energy crisis. A total of 12 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed with the Sultan of Oman on May 23 to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Oman in various fields, including Iran’s trade, culture and politics.

The agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed by various ministers and high-ranking officials of the two countries to strengthen energy, transport, tourism, sports, environment, economic, diplomatic and political cooperation. Iranian President Raisi and Sultan of Oman Haisam bin Tariq Al Saeed were also present.

Earlier, the Sultan of Oman formally welcomed the Iranian president to his Al Alam Palace. The national anthems of the two countries were played and a guard of honor was presented to President Rice. 21 shots were fired in honor of the Iranian president and his entourage. President Ibrahim Raisi returned to Tehran on Monday night after a one-day visit to Oman.

Assuming the presidency in August last year, Rice announced that strengthening ties with the Persian Gulf Arab states was his government’s priority. As part of his government’s policy, relations with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman have already reached new heights. According to the Iranian Customs Department, trade between Iran and Oman rose to ৩ 133.8 billion in the last Persian year, up 53 percent from the previous year.

Earlier on May 12, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Iran. Reuters quoted Iran’s state news agency IRNA as saying in a report. According to the report, Iran is continuing its efforts to revive Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal and ensure Europe’s energy security. After Iran, the Emir of Qatar will visit Germany, the United Kingdom and other European countries after Ira

Analysts and officials say Saudi Arabia could help alleviate Turkey’s economic woes. Erdogan is facing tough elections next year. The Turkish economy is under pressure from rising inflation. Before leaving for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Erdogan told reporters that the purpose of the visit was to develop relations, strengthen political, military and cultural ties. Erdogan said he would also meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi-Turkish relations deteriorated in 2016 after the assassination of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was assassinated at the Istanbul embassy. A Turkish court has recently handed over the case to Saudi Arabia. Ankara hopes Erdogan’s visit will lift Saudi Arabia’s unofficial embargo on Turkish imports. A senior Turkish official said there was a “very positive atmosphere” surrounding Erdogan’s visit. He said the groundwork has been laid for resumption of joint work on trade, investment and regional issues.

On the other hand, Washington is in a big crisis with the ban on Russian oil and gas imports due to the attack on Ukraine. The United States has sided with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as alternatives to Russia in overcoming the crisis. But the top leaders of the two countries are not answering the phone of US President Joe Biden. Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan both refused to talk to Biden, the Wall Street Journal reported.

International state analysts say the Muslim world today is in a much stronger position than ever before. If this continues, a new era will begin in the Muslim world.