Trump Threatens to Bomb Oman if It ‘Gets in the Way’ of Iran Deal

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if the Gulf nation interferes with US efforts to reach an agreement with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.  Speaking to Fox News, Trump said: “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the s— out of them,” referring to ongoing discussions between Oman and Iran over reopening the strategic waterway.  The threat comes as Oman works with Iran on a proposed arrangement to allow ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route. Iran said the two countries were working to finalise a joint declaration on maritime navigation.

Trump has insisted that the US should have control over the strait and has previously suggested declaring it US territory, despite its status as an international waterway. Iran has rejected the claim and said the strait will remain under its control.  Trump also urged Iran to “put up the white flag of surrender”, while saying he was not in a hurry to reach a peace agreement. He confirmed that Washington is maintaining a backchannel with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as diplomatic efforts continue.

Oman has traditionally played a key mediating role between the US and Iran, making Trump’s warning particularly significant. The threat comes amid heightened regional tensions and an uncertain future for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial share of the world’s energy supplies normally passes.