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 interferes with an American deal concerning Iran on the Strait of Hormuz. The president made this statement during an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst. The ongoing talks between Oman and Iran regarding control of the strait are in the backdrop of Washington pursuing its own discussions.

Iranian and Omani officials have been engaged in conversations for weeks on future maritime navigation arrangements. However, Trump has repeatedly claimed that the strait, which Tehran effectively closed at the beginning of the Middle East war on February 28, is under US control despite traffic remaining restricted. On Friday, Trump asserted that he would even consider declaring the Strait of Hormuz as part of US territory.

In contrast, Iran maintains that the vital energy waterway it has blockaded "will remain Iranian." Prior to the commencement of the US-Israeli war against Iran, the Hormuz strait was regarded as an open, international waterway. It is a significant pathway for global energy shipments and other commodities. Iran has utilized its effective control over the strait as leverage against US-led efforts to undermine its military and compel it to relinquish its controversial nuclear power program.

Iran's coastline runs along the northern side of Hormuz, while Oman occupies the southern side. Trump also stated that Iran should "put up the white flag of surrender," as reported by Yingst on social media following their interview with the president. Despite Trump's apparent eagerness to reach a deal, he expressed no urgency, noting the deep unpopularity of the war among Americans ahead of the November midterm elections in the United States.

Democrats, aiming to take control of Congress from Trump's Republicans, are seeking to capitalize on the public's dissatisfaction with the ongoing conflict. Trump disclosed to Yingst that there exists a direct backchannel between his administration and officials of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. He described the Revolutionary Guard as "good poker players, but they're dying," according to Yingst's account.