In a recent phone interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump announced a provocative threat: he would bomb Oman if the Gulf nation "gets in the way" of his administration’s talks with Iran about reopening the Strait of Hormuz – a vital artery that carries roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
Oman, which borders the southern entrance to the Strait, has positioned itself as a neutral mediator in the conflict. It has been negotiating separately with Tehran to secure safe passage for vessels, a process that Tehran has reportedly nearly finalized prior to Trump's warning.
Trump’s remark was made while using profanity, adding a volatile tone to the statement. The President reiterated, during an Oval Office briefing, that he was not seeking an extension to the US‑Iran Memorandum of Understanding, which expires in 60 days. He emphasized that the United States will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon in any form.
The US has been pursuing its own channel for reopening the Strait, contrasting with Tehran’s insistence that its interests include receiving compensation for any financial losses tied to the current blockade. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said “an understanding has been reached regarding the transit route,” and implied that the final details would be shared in a joint statement. He also noted that the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states have recommended open dialogue.
Allegations of a back‑channel with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were dismissed by an IRGC spokesman, who denounced Trump’s claim as misinformation crafted by fear and desperation.
The threat to Oman has triggered concern among international observers, who warn that further escalation could jeopardise the already fragile stability in the Middle East and ripple through the global economy; any major strike would risk a sudden tightening of oil supply routes and a spike in energy prices worldwide.
