US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with American efforts to secure a deal with Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, as negotiations between the two nations remain deadlocked.
President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Monday directed at Oman, stating he would resort to military force if the country obstructed US negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Fox News, Trump used inflammatory language in reference to ongoing discussions between Oman and Iran about maritime navigation through the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a focal point of tension since the outbreak of conflict in late February, when Iran effectively closed the passage to international shipping traffic. The waterway handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Recent shipping data shows severe disruptions, with commodity vessel transits dropping to five vessels on Saturday and none recorded on Sunday.
While Trump has previously claimed he intends to declare the strait US territory, Iranian officials maintain the waterway will remain under Iranian control. Oman and Iran have been engaged in separate diplomatic discussions on maritime arrangements through the strait, with Tehran indicating the two countries have reached an understanding on a transit route. Meanwhile, a 60-day negotiating window between the US and Iran expired on Monday without producing a breakthrough agreement.
Trump's latest remarks follow earlier threats made in May and come as he continues to demand Iran's capitulation. According to reports, Trump indicated his administration maintains a back-channel with Iran's Revolutionary Guard, though he characterised negotiations as difficult. The president stated he was not pressured by domestic political considerations to reach a quick resolution despite widespread opposition to the ongoing conflict within the United States.
