Trump Threatens To “Blow Up” Oman Over Deal With Iran On Strait Of Hormuz Control

US President Donald Trump warned Oman against cooperating with Iran on any proposal involving joint control or management of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.

Speaking during a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump rejected reports suggesting Iran and Oman were discussing a framework to oversee shipping traffic through the strait, including possible fees for commercial vessels.

“The strait is going to be open to everybody,” Trump said. “It’s international waters.” He added that Oman “will behave just like everybody else,” warning of consequences if it did not.

Negotiations continue over ending the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz becoming a major issue in the talks.

The waterway is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, handling about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

According to regional reports, Iran has been discussing a proposal that would create a new system to oversee commercial shipping in the strait together with Oman.

The reported framework could include collecting fees from vessels passing through the waterway.

The Trump administration has strongly opposed the idea, saying international shipping routes should remain open and free from toll systems.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also criticised the proposal and said it would complicate efforts to reach an agreement with Iran.

Oman has long maintained close ties with both Washington and Tehran and has often acted as a mediator between the two sides.

The country also has defence cooperation agreements with the United States and allows American military access to facilities in Oman.

Per reports, Oman had been exploring possible economic benefits linked to the proposed shipping arrangement, although no formal agreement has been announced.

Oman did not immediately comment on Trump’s remarks.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a major route for oil tankers and LNG carriers.

Any disruption, restriction, or change in control of the waterway can affect global energy markets, tanker operations, freight costs, and shipping insurance rates.

The issue has gained importance after months of conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which disrupted shipping activity in the region.

Trump also said the US would continue monitoring the strait and insisted that no country would control access to it.

There is currently no confirmed agreement between Iran and Oman regarding joint control or management of the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the dispute has added pressure to already difficult negotiations involving Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues.

References: FirstPost, NYTimes