Trump threatened to bomb Oman because he’s unhappy with country’s deal with Iran, officials say

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman due to his dissatisfaction with the country's close relationship with Iran and the progress of a deal to manage ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to two regional officials. The administration has reportedly advised Oman against certain aspects of the deal, including joint management of the strait by Iran and Oman.

On Tuesday, a projectile hit a ship sailing out of the strait, rendering a cargo vessel a "constructive total loss" due to multiple projectiles off the coast of Yemen. The UAE's defense ministry stated that two ballistic missiles were launched from Iran towards the UAE. An Iranian official claimed that the Strait of Hormuz would not reopen until the U.S. meets Iran's conditions.

The U.S. believes Oman has not been firm enough in negotiations with Iran and disapproves of Oman's agreement to collect voluntary fees from vessels, even if they are related to security and maritime environmental protection. Trump has previously threatened to bomb Oman in May, stating that Oman should "behave just like everybody else, or we will have to blow them up."

Iran maintains that the strait will remain under its control until the U.S. fulfills its commitments, including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen assets, and ending military operations. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry suggested that the Iran-Omani deal could lead to resumed negotiations between Washington and Tehran for a comprehensive and permanent agreement.

Despite more attacks reported in the region, Trump maintains that the strait is "open and operating" and that all water mines have been removed.