Kumar Bahukhandi
President Donald Trump on Monday threatened military action against Oman if it obstructed a deal involving Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and called on Tehran to surrender.(AP: Photo)
US president warns Muscat against obstructing Strait of Hormuz deal with Tehran
Washington D C :US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened military action against Oman if it “gets in the way” of a deal with Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz, while calling on Tehran to surrender.
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump told Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, referring to talks between Oman and Iran over control of the strategic waterway.
Trump’s remarks came as Washington is also pursuing its own discussions related to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies passes.
The US president also called on Iran to surrender, saying Tehran should “put up the white flag of surrender”, according to Yingst, who posted details of his interview with Trump on X.
Trump’s comments mark a sharp escalation in rhetoric as tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz remain high. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway could have significant consequences for global energy markets and international trade.
Oman has traditionally played a diplomatic role in facilitating communication between Iran and Western countries and has been involved in efforts to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The latest remarks came amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and heightened military tensions in the region. Trump’s warning appeared to signal that the US would oppose any move that it believes could obstruct its efforts to secure an arrangement concerning the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Its strategic importance makes developments involving the waterway closely watched by energy markets and governments around the world.
Trump’s demand for Iran’s surrender also reflected the increasingly confrontational tone adopted by Washington in its dealings with Tehran.
