President Donald Trump stated that the United States would take military action against Oman if the country interferes with U.S. negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Fox News. The president reportedly used an expletive to describe the potential bombing during a phone interview. These comments come as the U.S. and Oman are conducting separate negotiations with Tehran to reopen the waterway, which has been largely closed for six months during the ongoing U.S.-Iran war.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Following military strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iran in February, Tehran blocked the strait. Oman, which shares a border with the southern side of the waterway and identifies as a neutral party, has recently been struck by Iran and is currently engaged in its own talks with Tehran to restore shipping access.
Earlier on Monday, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced that Iran and Oman had reached an "understanding" regarding a transit route map. However, U.S. talks with Iran remain stalled. A 60-day Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the U.S. and Iran on June 18 is set to expire. President Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on Monday that he is not seeking an extension to the agreement, which was originally intended to facilitate a ceasefire and reopen the strait.
The shift in U.S. policy toward Oman could also impact diplomatic relations with other regional allies who rely on Omani mediation. If the U.S. follows through on threats of military strikes, it would establish a new precedent for U.S. engagement with neutral mediators during active conflicts. For U.S. service members and defense contractors, the expiration of the ceasefire agreement and the President's statement that he is in "no hurry" to end the war suggests a continuation of active military operations in the Middle East for the foreseeable future.
The immediate next steps involve the finalization of the deal between Oman and Iran. Iranian officials stated they will finalize details before issuing a joint statement with Oman, while the U.S.-Iran MoU reaches its formal expiration on Monday. Additionally, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has indicated that a full reopening of the strait depends on the U.S. paying compensation for alleged violations of the MoU, with Tehran reportedly seeking fees between 5% and 7% of cargo values from passing vessels. President Trump has reiterated that his primary objective remains preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.