Donald Trump has chillingly threatened to “blow up” Oman if they don’t “behave” in a move that risks dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East. The US President made the comments at the White House when asked about reports that Iran and Oman have struck a deal to jointly control the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Mr Trump warned he would not accept any such arrangement as part of a peace deal with Iran. He told reporters following a Cabinet meeting: “No, the Strait is going to be open to everybody. It’s international waters. Nobody’s going to control it. We’re going to watch over it – we’ll watch over it – but nobody’s going to get control of it as part of any negotiation. They would like to control it. Nobody’s got any control.
“It’s international waters. And Oman will behave just like everybody else. If they don’t, we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that. They’ll be fine.”
The remarks came amid ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire and broader agreement following months of escalating military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
So far, discussions have centred on Iran’s nuclear stockpile, sanctions relief and security guarantees, while mediators continue attempting to prevent a wider regional war.
However, reports of a possible breakthrough were cast into doubt after the US dismissed claims of a draft agreement as a “complete fabrication”.
Iranian state TV had claimed a framework deal would see Iran restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its blockade and withdrawing forces.
During the same Cabinet meeting, Mr Trump also issued a stark warning to Tehran, suggesting military action could resume if negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme collapse.
He said: “Iran very much wants to make a deal. So far they haven’t gotten there. We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be. Either that, or we’ll have to finish the job.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted the White House still preferred diplomacy but warned military options remained available if talks failed.
Rubio said: “The bottom line is that we prefer the negotiated diplomatic route, and we’re going to give it every chance to succeed.”
He added: “Iran, and the people in charge of Iran, can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Mr Trump later claimed Iran had been severely weakened during the conflict, saying: “The Navy has gone… The Air Force has gone. Everything’s gone, and they’re negotiating on fumes.”
He also claimed Iran’s economy was in “freefall”, adding: “Their money has no value, and their whole economic system is broken down.”