US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if the country interferes with Washington’s efforts to reach an agreement with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump made the warning during an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, while referring to separate negotiations between Oman and Iran concerning navigation through the strategic waterway.
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump said.
Iran and Oman Hold Hormuz Talks
Iranian and Omani officials have reportedly been negotiating for weeks over arrangements for maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that Tehran and Muscat were working on a joint declaration concerning the waterway.
The development comes amid Trump’s repeated claims that the strategically important strait should effectively come under US control.
On Friday, Trump reportedly said he could even declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory, prompting a strong response from Tehran.
Iran maintained that the waterway “will remain Iranian.”
Hormuz at Centre of US-Iran Tensions
Before the latest conflict, the Strait of Hormuz was regarded as an international waterway and served as a critical route for global energy shipments and other commodities.
Iran has used its control over the waterway as leverage amid the escalating confrontation with the United States and efforts to pressure Tehran over its military capabilities and nuclear programme.
Trump has also called on Iran to surrender, as Washington continues to pursue negotiations while maintaining pressure on Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes, meaning any prolonged disruption could have significant consequences for global energy markets and international trade.
