Trump Threatens Oman Amid Stalled Iran Nuclear Deal and Strait of Hormuz Disputes
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Trump Threatens Oman Amid Stalled Iran Nuclear Deal and Strait of Hormuz Disputes
- President Donald Trump reportedly threatened to bomb Oman on Monday, August 17, 2026, amidst ongoing frustrations over an elusive nuclear deal with Iran and disagreements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
- This marks the second time Trump has issued such a threat against Oman, a long-standing U.S. partner and traditional mediator between Washington and Tehran.
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On Monday, August 17, 2026, President Donald Trump reportedly threatened to bomb Oman if the nation “gets in the way” of U.S. efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and finalize a peace deal with Iran. The threat was made during an interview with Fox News, according to correspondent Trey Yingst. This statement comes as a 60-day negotiation period, established by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in June between the U.S. and Iran, officially expired without a comprehensive peace agreement.
Oman, a Gulf nation with a strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz, has historically served as a crucial backchannel for diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global chokepoint, with approximately 20% of the world’s oil supplies and a significant portion of liquefied natural gas passing through it daily. Disruption to shipping in the strait has been a major concern, particularly since the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began in late February 2026, leading to what has been termed the “2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis.”
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Monday that Tehran had reached an agreement with Oman regarding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, though details were not elaborated. This reported agreement between Iran and Oman, which has maintained cordial relations with Tehran throughout the conflict, appears to be a point of contention for the U.S.
The latest threat follows a similar warning issued by Trump in May 2026, where he stated that Oman would “behave just like everybody else, or we will have to blow them up.” U.S. officials are reportedly divided, with some viewing Oman as favoring Iran, while others believe Trump’s threats stem from frustration over the stalled nuclear deal. The interim deal in June aimed for an “immediate and permanent termination of military operations” and a 60-day window for a final agreement, but it quickly unraveled by early July.