Hundreds of protesters have blocked access to Oman's second-largest port of Sohar in a third consecutive day of unrest.
Security forces meanwhile sealed off main roads to the city of Sohar, about 200 kilometers northwest of the capital, Muscat.
Officials said at least one person was killed on February 27 after police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of demonstrators who took to the streets in Sohar.
Oman, ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said and his family, marks the latest flashpoint in the Arab world's challenges to authority.
Oman shares control with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf -- the route for about 40 percent of the world's oil-tanker traffic.
Oman also plays an important role as a mediator between Iran and the West because of its strong ties to Tehran and Washington.
compiled from agency reports
Security forces meanwhile sealed off main roads to the city of Sohar, about 200 kilometers northwest of the capital, Muscat.
Officials said at least one person was killed on February 27 after police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of demonstrators who took to the streets in Sohar.
Oman, ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said and his family, marks the latest flashpoint in the Arab world's challenges to authority.
Oman shares control with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf -- the route for about 40 percent of the world's oil-tanker traffic.
Oman also plays an important role as a mediator between Iran and the West because of its strong ties to Tehran and Washington.
compiled from agency reports