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

On Monday, US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interfered with a US-Iranian deal concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The president made the threat during an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, stating, "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the shit out of them." Trump was discussing ongoing talks between Oman and Iran regarding maritime navigation arrangements through the critical shipping route.

The Foreign Ministry of Iran announced earlier that the two sides were working on a joint declaration.

Despite Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz at the beginning of the Middle East war on February 28, Trump insisted that the route remains under US control. The US president even went so far as to claim he would declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory. In contrast, Iran maintained that the crucial energy waterway, which it has blockaded, will remain under Iranian control.

The Strait of Hormuz, considered an open, international waterway prior to the US-Israeli war against Iran, is a vital conduit for global energy shipments and other commodities. Iran has utilized its effective control of the strait as leverage against US-led attempts to dismantle its military and end its controversial nuclear power program. Oman, located on the southern side of the strait, and Iran share the northern side.

Trump also suggested that Iran should "put up the white flag of surrender," according to Yingst's post on X about the interview. The president claimed that there is a direct back-channel between his administration and officials of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Trump expressed his confidence in the group, stating, "They're good poker players, but they're dying."