Trump Threatens Military Action Against Oman Over Iran Strait Deal

President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman in response to the country’s efforts to negotiate a deal with Iran regarding maritime traffic management through the Strait of Hormuz, according to statements from two regional officials on Tuesday. The threat came one day after Trump made similar comments, marking an escalation in his criticism of Oman’s diplomatic engagement with Tehran.

Administration officials have conveyed opposition to elements of the proposed Iranian-Omani arrangement, particularly joint management of the critical shipping passage. The U.S. government objects to Oman’s willingness to collect voluntary fees from vessels under the guise of security and environmental protection measures, according to sources familiar with the administration’s stance.

Trump initially raised the prospect of military action against Oman in May during a Cabinet meeting, stating the country would “behave just like everybody else, or we will have to blow them up.” On Monday, he reiterated threats against the Gulf nation and subsequently posted an image on social media suggesting the strait should be designated as American territory, a proposal he had mentioned casually the previous week.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded sharply to Trump’s territorial claim on social media, stating that Trump’s “delusion regarding the Strait of Hormuz will soon either be corrected, or we will correct this deluded man’s delusions for him.” Iran maintained its position that the waterway will remain closed until the United States meets specified conditions.

A projectile struck a vessel transiting the strait early Tuesday, damaging its engine room and causing a casualty, according to the British military’s Maritime Trade Operations center. The incident occurred as tensions mounted over the strategic waterway’s status and management.

Trump insisted Tuesday that the strait remains “open and operating” despite reduced traffic and the conclusion Monday of a 60-day negotiating window between Washington and Tehran. He asserted that American blockade measures remain in effect and that mine-clearing operations have been completed in the passage.

Egyptian Foreign Ministry officials suggested the Iranian-Omani accord could facilitate future comprehensive negotiations between the United States and Iran addressing broader regional concerns. The statement emerged following discussions between Egypt’s foreign minister and his Omani counterpart but did not address Trump’s military threats.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for launching drones at a Saudi Arabian oil refinery operated by state-owned Saudi Aramco, representing the latest attack in ongoing regional hostilities. The assault underscored escalating security risks throughout the Persian Gulf as diplomatic efforts falter.