Trump threatens to bomb Oman over Strait of Hormuz concerns

President Donald Trump has issued threats to bomb Oman if the nation interferes with U.S. interests regarding the conflict with Iran or the management of the Strait of Hormuz. During an interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the s–t out of them,” adding that he intends to declare the Strait of Hormuz “a territory of the United States” once the current war concludes.

The rhetoric comes as Oman engages in discussions with Iran to find ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil passes. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously attempted to stabilize relations by stating the U.S.-Oman relationship “is fine,” the President’s recent comments have caused renewed speculation regarding the stability of the alliance.

Omani officials are reportedly focused on a solution that allows for increased commercial traffic in the waterway to relieve pressure on global energy markets. Meanwhile, political analysts, including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, have suggested that Iranian strategy aims to leverage regional instability to influence American domestic politics.