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

President Donald Trump warned on Monday that the United States would bomb Oman if it interferes with a potential US-Iranian deal on the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks came during an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst. The discussions involve Oman and Iran working out future maritime navigation arrangements through the critical shipping route.

Tehran has been in talks with Oman for weeks on the matter, with the Iranian foreign ministry stating that the two sides are working on a joint declaration. However, Trump has repeatedly stated that the strait, which was effectively closed by Iran at the start of the Middle East war on February 28, is under US control, despite the presence of limited traffic.

He suggested on Friday that he would even declare the Strait of Hormuz as part of US territory. Iran, on the other hand, insists that the crucial energy waterway, which has been blockaded by Iran, will remain under Iranian control. The strait, considered an international waterway before the US-Israeli war against Iran, carries significant global energy shipments and other commodities.

Iran has used its control over the strait as leverage against US-led attempts to dismantle its military and end its controversial nuclear program. Trump also told Yingst that Iran should "put up the white flag of surrender," while insisting that there is a direct back-channel between his administration and officials of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Trump expressed no urgency in reaching an agreement, citing the high unpopularity of the war among Americans ahead of the November midterm elections. Opposition Democrats are seeking to take control of Congress from Trump's Republicans.