Trump Threatens to 'Bomb Oman to Smithereens' Over Strait of Hormuz Deal
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to "bomb Oman to smithereens" if the Sultanate interferes with a potential deal between the U.S. and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oman and Iran are negotiating a joint administration of the Strait, which Iran claims would solidify its control over the vital waterway.
- Despite Oman being a key U.S. ally, Trump's threats signal a hardening stance against any perceived obstruction by the Sultanate.
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Oman, threatening to "bomb Oman to smithereens" should the Sultanate impede a potential agreement with Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The threat underscores escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf and highlights U.S. displeasure with Oman's diplomatic overtures toward Tehran.
Oman has been actively engaged in negotiations with Iran regarding the joint administration of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint. According to Iranian sources, the two nations have reached an agreement on shipping routes, which would predominantly pass through Iranian territorial waters, thereby strengthening Tehran's control over the waterway. Discussions are reportedly ongoing regarding "voluntary fees" to be collected by a joint Hormuz authority, a concept the U.S. has previously deemed unacceptable.
We will bomb Oman to smithereens.
Trump's aggressive rhetoric appears to stem from frustration with stalled U.S. negotiations with Iran. A six-week period, initially agreed upon as part of a ceasefire between Tehran and Washington, expired without progress on opening the Strait of Hormuz or initiating long-term talks on Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. president has also recently claimed "New U.S. Territory" in relation to the Strait on his social media platform.
Despite Oman's historical role as a key U.S. ally with close military cooperation, Trump has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Sultanate's engagement with Iran. This latest threat, made during a period of diplomatic deadlock, signals a significant shift in U.S. policy towards its Omani partner, potentially jeopardizing long-standing strategic relationships in the region.
New U.S. Territory
Originally published by Neue Zรผrcher Zeitung in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.