Trump Issues Military Threat to Oman Over Hormuz Control
President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if it collaborates with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil traffic.
President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Oman, suggesting that the U.S. may take military action if the country collaborates with Iran to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz. During a cabinet meeting, Trump was asked about a potential short-term deal that would permit Iranian and Omani oversight of the vital waterway, which sees over 20 percent of the world’s oil traffic. In response, Trump stated, "Nobody is going to control it. It’s international waters, and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we will have to blow them up."
The U.S. State Department confirmed the quote, dispelling initial speculation that Trump had mistakenly mentioned Oman instead of Iran. Oman, known for its neutrality, has not expressed any desire to join Iran in controlling the strait. The U.S. regards Oman as a key ally, with a partnership spanning more than 200 years and multiple cooperation agreements in areas such as security and trade.
Trump’s remarks come amid increasing tensions in the region and add to concerns about his administration's reliance on military threats as a foreign policy strategy, often referred to as “gunboat diplomacy.” Critics, including Raed Jarrar from the U.S.-based rights group DAWN, condemned the threat as reckless, comparing it to the behavior of a "mafia boss". Jarrar emphasized that threatening military force against a country violates international law. The backdrop to these statements includes Iran's announcement of a draft memorandum of understanding with Oman, purportedly allowing for joint control of the strait, which the Trump administration dismissed as "a complete fabrication."
Additionally, Trump reiterated calls for Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to formalize relations with Israel, linking these actions to future U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations. He indicated a reluctance to move forward with agreements unless more Arab states participate.
The White House has yet to respond to requests for further comment.