Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it gets in way of Iran deal

President Donald Trump expressed a threat to bomb Oman if it interferes with a US deal with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, according to an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst. The comments came as the two nations are engaged in talks about maritime navigation through the crucial shipping route. Iran and Oman have been working on a joint declaration to govern the passage, but Trump maintains that the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had effectively closed at the beginning of the Middle East conflict on February 28, is under US control.

He even suggested that he would consider declaring the strait as part of US territory. Iran, however, has stated that it will not relinquish control over the vital energy waterway, which is utilized by a substantial amount of global energy shipments and other commodities. Prior to the US-Israeli war against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was regarded as an open international waterway.

The Iranian coast borders the north side of the strait, while Oman is situated on the southern side. Trump also mentioned that Iran should "put up the white flag of surrender," while acknowledging the existence of a secret communication channel between his administration and Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Trump claimed that the officials of Iran's Revolutionary Guard are skilled in negotiations but are ultimately defeated.