In brief
In a startling phone interview published by Fox News, President Donald Trump warned that he would bomb Oman if the Middle Eastern nation impeded his administration’s efforts to secure a deal with Iran for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait, vital for global oil shipments, has been largely shut since the U.S‑Iran war erupted in March of this year. While Iran and Oman signaled a new agreement for shipping through the waterway, the U.S. stance remains uncertain after a 60‑day Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries is set to expire. Trump’s aggressive comments also raised questions over his claims of a direct back‑channel with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly warned that the United States would bomb Oman – a key ally in the region – if it obstructed his administration’s negotiations with Iran over the reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz. The warning was made on a Fox News phone interview, during which Trump used profanity and emphasized that he had a “direct back‑channel” to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about one‑fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows, has been largely closed for nearly six months following the U.S.‑Iran war that began in March. Both the United States and Oman have been negotiating separately with Tehran to secure a safe passage for commercial vessels.
Earlier that week, Iranian officials announced that they had reached an agreement with Oman regarding a transit map for ships. Despite the promise of a deal, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that once attempted to broker a ceasefire between the United States and Iran is set to expire, and Trump stated that he was not seeking an extension.
Oman, which has declared itself neutral in the confrontation, has repeatedly suffered missile strikes from Iran. Yet, the nation remains the only independent partner prepared to negotiate the reopening of the strait, keeping the United States in a position of delicate balance.
Trump’s comments have drawn criticism. An IRGC spokesman denied any ties to U.S. officials and called the president’s claims “fantasy” borne from desperation. Yet Trump persisted, saying he had no urgency to end the war and repeated that “they’re good poker players, but they’re dying.”
With the 60‑day window on the MoU closing, observers warn that tensions could rise again if diplomatic efforts stall. The United States, meanwhile, remains committed to preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons, a stance Mak announced on social media after the MoU’s projected expiry.
Date: 17 August 2026
