President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Oman, a US ally, if it interferes with his administration's talks with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Trump said he could easily deal with Oman if it obstructs a potential deal with Tehran, stating, "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the s---- out of them."
Deadline Expiry and Stalled Talks
The threat comes as the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on 17 June, expires on Monday. This marks the end of a 60-day deadline during which both countries were expected to end hostilities and reach an agreement on Iran's nuclear programme. However, negotiations have stalled due to disagreements over control of the strategic waterway, with little indication that either side is willing to extend the agreement.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, dismissed the deadline, saying that "gross" US violations rendered the MoU timeline "entirely moot." He also affirmed that Iran's forces are prepared to respond if attacked.
Oman's Role in Maritime Negotiations
The US and Oman have been separately negotiating with Tehran to reopen the crucial maritime route, which has been blockaded for nearly six months. Last Saturday, Iran's semiofficial Mehr News Agency reported that Iran had reached an agreement with Oman on a plan for traffic in the waterway, indicating potential progress despite the broader impasse.
Meanwhile, Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Tehran. His administration has hinted at plans to intensify economic pressure on Iran, and Trump previously threatened to make the Strait of Hormuz a US territory after defeating Iran. "After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States," he said earlier.
Demand for Surrender and Implications
Trump is now demanding that Tehran "put up the white flag of surrender," signaling a hardline stance. The expiration of the MoU without a deal raises the risk of renewed conflict in the region, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
The threat against Oman, a key US ally and mediator, underscores the fragility of diplomatic efforts. With Iran's readiness to respond and Oman's potential role as a mediator, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Strait of Hormuz can be reopened peacefully or if further escalation ensues.
