Trump warned that Washington could take military action against Oman if Muscat obstructed talks with Iran over future navigation arrangements through the Strait
News Desk
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to attack Oman if it obstructed efforts to reach an agreement with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, while calling on Tehran to surrender as tensions over the strategic waterway remained high.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst. Referring to talks between Oman and Iran on future arrangements for navigation through the strait, he warned that Washington could respond militarily if Muscat interfered with an agreement. “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the sh*t out of them,” Trump told Yingst.
Iranian and Omani officials had been holding talks for several weeks over maritime navigation arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that the two sides were working on a joint declaration.
The discussions were taking place alongside separate diplomatic efforts by Washington. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States should control the strategic waterway, despite continued restrictions on shipping traffic.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of confrontation during the Middle East war. Tehran effectively closed the route on February 28, sharply reducing maritime traffic through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Before the conflict, the strait was regarded as an open international waterway. It carries a substantial share of global energy shipments as well as other commodities, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for international markets. Trump said on Friday that he could even declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory.
The US president said he was in no hurry to reach an agreement with Iran, despite political pressure surrounding the war ahead of November’s midterm elections. Democrats have sought to regain control of Congress from Trump’s Republicans.
Trump also said his administration maintained a direct back-channel with officials from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Describing the Iranian officials as “good poker players”, he added that they were under severe pressure.
Iran rejected the claim and said the waterway would remain under Iranian control. Iran’s position has given Tehran significant leverage in its confrontation with Washington. The United States and its allies have sought to pressure Iran over its military capabilities and controversial nuclear program.
