US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if it obstructs Washington’s efforts to reach an agreement with Iran over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst on Monday, amid ongoing discussions involving Oman and Iran over the future of navigation through the crucial waterway.
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump said, according to Yingst, while referring to the negotiations between Oman and Iran.
Iranian and Omani officials have reportedly been holding discussions for weeks on maritime navigation arrangements through the strait. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that both countries were working towards a joint declaration on the issue.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint since Iran effectively restricted access to the waterway at the beginning of the Middle East war on February 28.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the strategic passage should come under US control. On Friday, he went further by saying he could declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory.
Iran rejected the position, insisting that the waterway would remain under Iranian control.
Before the outbreak of the US-Israeli war against Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was regarded as an international waterway and served as a critical route for global energy supplies and other commodities.
Iran’s strategic position along the northern coast of the strait, with Oman bordering its southern side, gives both countries significant geographical importance in the waterway.
Tehran has used its control over shipping through the strait as leverage amid US-led efforts to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and pressure the country over its nuclear programme.
Trump also called on Iran to surrender, telling Yingst that Tehran should “put up the white flag of surrender.”
Despite growing political pressure at home over the conflict ahead of the November US midterm elections, Trump said he was not under pressure to conclude an agreement with Iran.
He also revealed 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,” Trump was quoted as saying.
