President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Wednesday, appearing to threaten military action against Oman, a longstanding US ally, amid ongoing tensions over control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump rejected any short-term arrangement that would allow Iran and Oman to jointly manage the waterway. He insisted the strait must remain open to international traffic without restriction.
“The strait is going to be open to everybody,” Trump told reporters. “It’s international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else or we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that, they’ll be fine.”
The remarks came in response to questions about potential deals involving Tehran and the Gulf state. Oman has played a significant mediating role in Middle East conflicts and maintains close ties with Washington, even as it has faced attacks from Iran.
The White House did not immediately clarify whether the president had intended to direct his comments at Iran instead of Oman. The US State Department subsequently released a clip and transcript of Trump’s statements referencing Oman, offering no corrections.
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Oman serves as a key partner for the United States in the region. Its involvement in diplomatic efforts to resolve the broader Middle East conflict has been notable, despite coming under fire from Tehran at times.
Trump’s comments reflect growing frustration in Washington as efforts to secure a lasting agreement to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz have stalled. The narrow passage, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies typically flow, has been at the center of disputes, with Iran reportedly seeking to impose tolls on vessels and share revenues with Oman.
Earlier in the meeting, the president also appeared to confuse Iran with Venezuela, noting that the South American country whose leadership was ousted by US-backed forces earlier this year no longer possesses a navy or air force. Trump has employed similar language when discussing Iran’s military capabilities following US and Israeli strikes on February 28.
This latest development underscores the delicate balance of alliances and rivalries in the Gulf. While Oman has not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks, the situation highlights the complexities of negotiating access to one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.