President Donald Trump warned that the US would "bomb Oman to smithereens" if the Gulf nation obstructed American efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, he stated in an interview with Fox News today. This is not the first time Trump has threatened Oman. In a cabinet meeting in May, the US President previously vowed to "blow away" Oman if it sought to cooperate with Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz.
Oman has maintained diplomatic relations with the US for nearly 200 years, making it one of Washington's oldest partners and allies. It also shares a close relationship with Iran, with residents of both nations regularly engaging in exchange and trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
Omani officials have not yet commented on the information.
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President Trump at Morristown Airport, New Jersey on 16/8. Photo: AP |
President Trump at Morristown Airport, New Jersey on 16/8. Photo: AP
President Trump has repeatedly asserted that the US fully controls the Strait of Hormuz. On 14/8, he even raised the possibility of declaring the Strait of Hormuz a part of US territory. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway between Iran and Oman, is 161 km long, with its narrowest point measuring 33 km. Shipping lanes in each direction are only about 3 km wide. The strait has been almost paralyzed since the Middle East conflict erupted. In mid-June, the US and Iran signed a joint memorandum of understanding, which included provisions to restore maritime activity in Hormuz. However, disagreements in interpretation led to the collapse of the ceasefire.
Vessels navigating Hormuz currently rely on either a northern route through Iranian territorial waters or a southern route close to Oman's coast. Iran has warned that it cannot guarantee the safety of transit vessels that do not notify Tehran in advance. Last week, Iranian officials announced an agreement with Oman on the route for shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, without mentioning the US. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on 14/8 that Tehran and Muscat are continuing technical discussions and "may soon have results". He reiterated that this process is entirely separate from efforts to negotiate a ceasefire with the US.
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Location of Iran, Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian |
Location of Iran, Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian
In the same interview, President Trump revealed that the US has established a direct, secret communication channel with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), but stated he is not rushing to reach a deal. "They are good poker players, but they are exhausted. I have not set a deadline. I am not in a hurry", he said. Trump's comments came as the 60-day deadline for peace talks between the US and Iran concluded today, with no specific plan announced to end the conflict. In recent weeks, Omani and Iranian officials have discussed future management of maritime activity through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on 17/8 that both sides are drafting a joint declaration.
Thanh Tam (According to Fox News, CNN, AFP)
