Supreme leader makes comments in meeting with visiting sultan of Oman; hacker group takes responsibility for defacing Iranian state websites with images of exiled group

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik's trip comes after his Gulf country helped broker prisoner swap between Iran and Belgium

El Al planes cross Gulf sultanate's territory en route to Thailand, days after country opened up for overflights from all countries, shaving off some 2.5 hours of flight time

Gulf sultanate, traditionally a mediator between Iran and the West, makes move that will cut hours off travel to Far East, but does not indicate impending treaty with Jerusalem

Sultanate, which could reportedly be the next Gulf country to sign historic deal with Jewish state, says it hopes move will help achieve Middle East peace

Muscat felt Israel would benefit from dialogue, as US was already holding secret talks that led to 2015 deal, Channel 13 reports; Mossad chief Pardo thought idea worth considering

Global leaders and top diplomats are repeating the mantra of 'de-escalation' and 'dialogue,' yet none has publicly laid out a path to achieving either

Newly appointed Sultan Haitham bin Tariq welcomes Arab leaders and UK's Prince Charles

PM recalls his 'important and stirring visit' to the country in 2018; sultan was first Gulf leader to host a serving Israeli PM -- Yitzhak Rabin, in 1994

Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, who has served important diplomatic roles, to take over as the Gulf state's ruler; thousands attend funeral of late monarch