Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp military warning toward Oman over its potential interference in American efforts to secure passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, accelerating Washington’s standoff with Iran.
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump said in an August 17 phone interview with a Fox News reporter.
Addressing the stalled diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran, Trump asserted that Iran needs to “put up the white flag of surrender”. He confirmed the United States would not extend an interim arrangement meant to pave the way for a broader pact.
Oman has actively participated in negotiations aimed at reopening commercial shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s primary energy arteries. Trump’s rhetoric introduces significant friction with a nation that has historically served as a critical neutral mediator between Washington and Tehran.
The mounting confrontation sent ripples through global energy markets, driving a sharp increase in oil prices on August 17 as traders grew increasingly alarmed over shipping vulnerabilities and halted negotiations.