Trump threatens to ‘blow up’ Oman despite centuries of US ties

What Happened

US President Donald Trump threatened on Wednesday to attack Oman if Muscat agrees to work with Iran on imposing transit fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a settlement to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. Multiple US officials told Middle East Eye that the threat reflects broader administration frustration with Oman's position during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The remarks represent a sharp escalation in rhetoric against a country that has maintained centuries of diplomatic ties with the United States and has historically served as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The threat against Oman marks a significant departure from decades of US policy toward one of Washington's most reliable Gulf partners and a key diplomatic channel to Iran. Oman controls the southern shore of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 21 percent of global petroleum liquids transit, making any disruption or fee regime a critical concern for global energy markets. The public threat suggests the Trump administration is willing to jeopardise longstanding regional partnerships to pressure Iran, potentially undermining future mediation efforts and signaling to other Gulf states the risks of maintaining balanced relations with Tehran during the current conflict.

Watch For

Monitor whether Oman issues an official response to Trump's threat and whether it adjusts its diplomatic posture toward Iran settlement talks. Watch for any movement by Iran or Oman toward formalising Strait of Hormuz transit arrangements, which would test Trump's threat. Track reactions from other Gulf Cooperation Council states, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have their own complex relationships with both Washington and Tehran. Any US military repositioning near Omani territory or changes in bilateral defence cooperation agreements would signal escalation beyond rhetoric.