Trump Threatens To Bomb Oman Amid Talks Over Strait Of Hormuz

Trump has threatened military action against Oman if it interferes with US efforts to negotiate with Iran, amid talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Oman is mediating between Iran and the US, while Iran says it has reached an understanding with Muscat on a shipping route through the strategic waterway. Trump also claimed the US has a backchannel with Iran’s IRGC, but the group denied this. The tensions come as a 60-day US-Iran memorandum expires, with Washington insisting that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains its main goal.

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman, warning that the Gulf country could face US strikes if it interferes with Washington's efforts to resolve the conflict with Iran.
Trump made the remarks during a phone interview with Fox News on Monday, as Oman was involved in parallel discussions with Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.

OMAN CAUGHT BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND TEHRAN

Oman has traditionally maintained a neutral position in regional conflicts and has played a significant role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran.
The latest threat came as Iranian officials said Tehran and Muscat were close to finalising an arrangement for commercial vessels to safely navigate the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said an understanding had been reached on a map for the transit route, with both sides expected to finalise the details before issuing a joint statement.

STRAIT OF HORMUZ AT CENTRE OF DISPUTE

The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the central flashpoints in the conflict.
The waterway normally carries a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Its disruption has contributed to pressure on global energy markets and raised concerns over the security of international shipping.
Washington has been pushing for the strait to be reopened, while Iran has demanded changes in US policy and compensation for damage caused during the conflict.
Iranian officials have also reportedly sought fees from vessels using the waterway as part of proposed arrangements for reopening commercial traffic.

IRGC DENIES BACKCHANNEL TALKS

Trump also claimed that Washington maintained a direct backchannel with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC rejected the claim.
An IRGC spokesman said no talks were taking place between the organisation and US officials, dismissing Trump's comments as false.
Trump, meanwhile, said he was not in a hurry to end the conflict and insisted that Iran should surrender.

60-DAY AGREEMENT EXPIRES

The latest escalation coincides with the expiry of a 60-day memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.
The agreement, signed in June, was intended to create a framework for further negotiations and eventually move the two sides towards a more permanent ceasefire and broader agreement.
However, the truce later broke down as the US, Israel and Iran resumed military exchanges.
Trump said his main objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

OMAN'S MEDIATION ROLE UNDER PRESSURE

The threat against Oman could complicate Muscat's longstanding role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.
Oman has previously helped facilitate communication between the United States and Iran, particularly when direct diplomatic relations between the two countries have been strained.
Its current efforts to negotiate arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz therefore place it directly at the centre of a dispute involving major military and economic interests.

GLOBAL SHIPPING FACES CONTINUED UNCERTAINTY

A prolonged disruption of the Strait of Hormuz could have consequences far beyond the Middle East, affecting energy prices, shipping costs and global supply chains.
The latest US warning therefore raises concerns not only about the future of Washington-Tehran negotiations but also about the safety of a critical international maritime route.
With Iran and Oman working on a possible shipping arrangement while Washington pursues its own strategy, the coming days could determine whether the strait moves towards reopening or becomes an even greater source of regional confrontation.