Why has Trump threatened to bomb Oman — for a second time?
Dubai: US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman for the second time in four months — an extraordinary warning against a longtime American partner that has traditionally served as a bridge between Washington and Tehran. This time, however, the immediate trigger is becoming clearer. The Trump administration is unhappy with parts of an emerging agreement between Oman and Iran over how…
In recent weeks, US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman for the second time in four months, a warning aimed at a longstanding American ally. This time, however, the immediate cause is becoming more apparent. According to US officials, Washington is unhappy with certain aspects of an emerging agreement between Oman and Iran regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that facilitates a fifth of the world's traded oil.
The US particularly objects to joint Iranian-Omani management of the strait and Oman's agreement to collect voluntary fees from vessels, even if those charges are for security and environmental services.
The dispute centers on who ultimately controls passage through the Hormuz, a key concern for the US, which aims to prevent Iran from exercising control over the waterway. Joint management could formalize an Iranian role in deciding how vessels move through the strait, contradicting US objectives. Washington has been excluded from the negotiations, leaving the US vulnerable to reduced influence over the operation of the Strait of Hormuz.
The dispute also revolves around Iran imposing tolls on ships using the strait, a practice the US deems illegal under international law, even if charges are for specific services like security and environmental protection.
Trump's recent threat against Oman, a country with a long history of cooperation with Washington, highlights the deepening tensions. Oman, traditionally acting as an intermediary between the US and Iran, has been pursuing its own negotiations with Tehran. The emerging Oman-Iran deal could potentially institutionalize Iran's significant influence over the Strait of Hormuz, challenging US interests.
The situation extends beyond Oman, as an Iran-Oman agreement could pave the way for renewed talks between Washington and Tehran, but Trump has not indicated any ongoing discussions with Iran, and Tehran remains steadfast in its refusal to fully reopen the strait without meeting US demands.
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