President Donald Trump threatened military action against Oman during a phone interview with WSJ, stating that the United States would bomb the country if it interferes with U.S. efforts regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. According to remarks reported by AP News, Trump used an expletive to emphasize that the U.S. would bomb the s— out of them
if the Gulf nation gets in the way. Regional officials told AP News that Trump is frustrated because Oman is close to a deal with Iran concerning shipping through the strait.
Trump Threatens Oman Over Iran Talks and Strait of Hormuz
The threat follows a 60-day interim agreement between the U.S. and Iran that expired without an extension or official negotiations in sight, as reported by CNBC. While the U.S. and Iran have no formal talks underway, Tehran has been engaged in weeks of technical discussions with Oman. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that an understanding has been reached regarding a transit route map, according to CBC. Regional officials indicated the emerging arrangement would direct ships into the Persian Gulf via an Iranian-controlled route and out through an Omani-controlled route.
Strait of Hormuz Shipping and Regional Stakes
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central point of conflict since the war began on February 28, when Israel and the U.S. attacked Iran, prompting Tehran to effectively close the crucial waterway. Prior to the conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil supplies passed through the strait. Shipping traffic has since fallen sharply; data from Kpler cited by CNBC showed only three ships passed through the passage on a recent Sunday, compared to a pre-war daily average of about 130 vessels.
Trump insisted that the waterway remains under U.S. control despite throttled traffic, while Iranian officials countered that the strait will remain under Iranian command. In an Oval Office interview, Trump remarked that Oman has not behaved very well,
adding that the U.S. could handle the situation easily. Previously, during a May cabinet meeting reported by CBC, Trump similarly warned that Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we will have to blow them up.
Backchannel Communications and Iran Stance
Alongside his warnings to Oman, Trump addressed ongoing military and diplomatic dynamics with Iran, asserting that Tehran should raise a white flag of surrender
as reported by DAWN. Trump described Iranian officials as good poker players, but they’re dying,
according to CNBC.
Trump also confirmed that Washington maintains direct backchannel communications with officials from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Meanwhile, Semafor reported that U.S. and White House officials believe the discussions between Iran and Oman broke down weeks ago amid prospective tolling arrangements in the strait, though economic pressure and penalties against entities doing business with Tehran remain central to U.S. strategy.
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