'Or we'll have to blow them up': Trump warns Oman not to interfere amid fragile US-Iran talks
Washington, May 28
US President Donald Trump has warned Oman not to interfere as fragile talks with Iran continue, claiming the United States will "watch over" the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked if he would accept a short-term deal that would allow Iran and Oman to control the strategic waterway, Trump told reporters during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (local time) at the White House: "No, the strait's 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 control it," he said. "That's part of the negotiation that we have."
"Oman will behave just like everybody else or we'll have to blow 'em up," Trump warned.
Trump's remarks came after Iranian state TV reported that it had obtained an unofficial draft of a Iranian-US agreement that would restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to prewar levels within a month, with Iran and Oman jointly managing traffic. The framework also would see the United States lift its blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw military forces from Iran's vicinity.
The US side has dismissed the Iranian report as "a complete fabrication."
Meanwhile, Oman has been in constant contact with the Iranian officials over the concerns relating to the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier on May 24, Omani officials, led by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, held talks with an Iranian delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the latest regional developments.
According to a statement by Oman's Foreign Ministry, the two sides discussed the principles governing freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway in accordance with international law.
The statement said that both sides exchanged views in light of recent developments and discussed ways to strengthen the safety of maritime navigation, trade flows, and supply chains.
During the meeting, Al Busaidi received a verbal message from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi regarding the ongoing Iranian-US talks.
The message highlighted the commitment of both countries to restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in a safe and sustainable manner.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an American, this is embarrassing. Diplomacy doesn't mean 'do what we say or else.' Oman has played a constructive role in the region. India must be concerned – our energy security depends on these waters being stable.
Why does the US always threaten smaller nations? Oman is just trying to keep peace. India has good ties with both Oman and Iran – this is a delicate balance. Trump's bombast isn't helping anyone. 🤦♀️
Trump's words are dangerous. Oman is a trusted friend of India – they've mediated before. India should openly support Oman's role in keeping the strait open. We can't afford $80 oil again! 🙏
I respect the US but this is cringe. 'Blow 'em up'? Really? Oman is a neutral nation trying to de-escalate. India should tell Washington: we support international law, not threats. The Gulf matters to all of us.
I'm worried. If the US keeps poking, we could see another crisis like 2019 when ships were attacked. Indian oil imports from Iran used to be steady – now we're stuck between US pressure and our own needs. Smart diplomacy needed. 🤞
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