Trump Again Threatens to Bomb Oman

President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman amid the ongoing war between the U.S. and Iran, which has been lasting for nearly six months. The conflict has caused global supply disruptions with no clear end in sight. Iran and Oman are reportedly close to an agreement to govern commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage that Iran initially closed at the beginning of the war.

Washington opposes Iran controlling traffic through the Strait or charging vessels for passage. According to Trump, "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the sh*t out of them." Oman has not behaved well, but they can be handled easily, just like other entities. Iran insists that the Strait's administration should be solely between Iran and Oman, while Oman had suggested a system with voluntary fees.

Trump has previously threatened to bomb Oman back in May, when Muscat and Tehran were reportedly discussing maritime service fees. The 60-day deadline for the U.S. and Iran to negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement expired on Monday without an agreement. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17, which included lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iran and toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, renewed attacks starting in late June effectively ended the accord. Trump has opted not to extend the memorandum of understanding. Global shipping and supply disruptions are expected to continue. Trump has shifted his focus towards intensifying economic pressure on Iran instead of resuming full-scale combat operations. The naval blockade imposed in April has been effective in cutting off millions of barrels of oil per week.