Trump Threatens Oman With Bombing Over Iran Talks, Demands Tehran Surrender
By Sabiu Abdullahi
United States President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if the country obstructs Washington’s efforts to reach an agreement with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump issued the warning on Monday during an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst. He was referring to ongoing discussions between Oman and Iran over arrangements for navigation through the strategic waterway.
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump told Yingst.
The threat came as Omani and Iranian officials continued discussions on the future of maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that both countries were working towards a joint declaration.
Trump has maintained that the strategic waterway is under American control, despite the continued reduction in maritime traffic since Tehran effectively closed the strait at the beginning of the Middle East war on February 28.
The US President had also said on Friday that he could declare the Strait of Hormuz part of United States territory. Iran rejected the position and insisted that the strategic waterway it has blockaded “will remain Iranian.”
Before the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was regarded as an international waterway. The route is vital to global trade because large quantities of energy products and other commodities pass through it.
Iran has used its control over the waterway as a bargaining tool amid US-led efforts to weaken its military capabilities and compel Tehran to abandon its disputed nuclear programme.
Iran occupies the northern coastline of the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman is located along its southern side.
Trump also called on Iran to surrender, according to Yingst’s account of the interview.
Iran should “put up the white flag of surrender,” Trump said.
The US President said he was not under pressure to conclude an agreement with Tehran, despite growing opposition to the war in the United States ahead of the November midterm elections.
The elections could see opposition Democrats seek control of Congress from Trump’s Republican Party.
Trump also disclosed that his administration maintains a direct back-channel with officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
“They’re good poker players, but they’re dying,” he was quoted as saying.