Trump threatens Oman over Iran deal

On Monday, US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it obstructs an agreement between the United States and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. During his conversation with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, Trump expressed that he would "bomb the shit out of them" if Oman interferes with the strategic waterway. The talks between Oman and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz have been ongoing for several weeks.

Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that both nations were working on a joint declaration. However, Trump persistently maintains that the Strait of Hormuz falls under US control, even as shipping activity has significantly decreased since Iran effectively closed the route following the start of the Middle East conflict on February 28.

On Friday, Trump declared that he could designate the Strait of Hormuz as part of US territory. Iran firmly rejected this claim, reaffirming that the waterway remains exclusively Iranian. Prior to the US-Israeli war against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was considered an international waterway, playing a crucial role in global energy supplies and the movement of other commodities.

Omani and Iranian officials have been engaged in discussions to establish arrangements for maritime navigation through the strait. Trump also urged Iran to surrender, demanding that they "put up the white flag of surrender." Despite the mounting pressure surrounding the conflict and the approaching November midterm elections, Trump indicated that he is not eager to reach an agreement with Iran.

He also revealed that his administration has established a direct back-channel with officials from Iran's Revolutionary Guard. "They're good poker players, but they're dying," Trump commented.