US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if the Gulf nation interferes with Washington’s efforts to reach a deal with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump made the threat on Monday while speaking to Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, as negotiations between Iran and Oman over the strategically important waterway continue.
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump said, referring to the ongoing discussions between Muscat and Tehran.
Iran, Oman Hold Talks Over Hormuz
Iranian and Omani officials have been negotiating for weeks over future arrangements for maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that the two countries were working on a joint declaration concerning the waterway.
The development comes as Washington conducts separate discussions with Tehran over the reopening of the crucial shipping route.
The Strait of Hormuz, which lies between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and other commodity shipments.
Trump Claims US Control
Trump has repeatedly insisted that the United States should control the Strait, despite Iran maintaining effective control over the waterway since the start of the Middle East conflict on February 28.
On Friday, the US president even suggested that Washington could declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory.
Iran rejected the claim, insisting that the waterway would remain under Iranian control.
Before the war, the Strait was regarded as an open international waterway and served as a critical route for global energy supplies.
Trump Calls For Iran’s Surrender
Trump also escalated his rhetoric against Tehran, calling on Iran to surrender.
According to Yingst, the US president said Iran should “put up the white flag of surrender.”
Trump maintained that he was not rushing to reach an agreement with Iran, despite growing political pressure surrounding the conflict ahead of the November US midterm elections.
He also claimed that his administration has established a direct back-channel with officials of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
“They’re good poker players, but they’re dying,” Trump was quoted as saying.
Rising Tensions Around Strategic Waterway
The latest threats come as tensions continue to rise over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran using its control of the waterway as leverage in its confrontation with the United States.
Iran’s coastline borders the northern side of the strait, while Oman controls territory along its southern side, making Muscat an important player in any agreement aimed at restoring maritime traffic.
Any prolonged disruption of the waterway could have significant consequences for global energy markets and international trade.
Trump Threatens Oman Over Iran Talks, Demands Tehran ‘Surrender’
- Advertisment -