Full Breakdown
Trump Threatens Oman Over Hormuz Control Amid U.S.-Iran War
5/28/2026, 12:41:35 AM
Threat to Oman Over Hormuz Control
On May 27, 2026, President Donald Trump told reporters at a White House Cabinet meeting that Oman must “behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow them up” if it joins Iran in a control or fee scheme for the Strait of Hormuz. He called it “international waters” and said the United States will “watch over it,” rejecting control. The comment coincided with U.S. and Iranian negotiators drafting a memorandum to reopen the strait without tolls.
Background, Stakes, and Key Actors
The strait, carrying about 20 percent of oil, has been closed since the U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iran in February 2025, raising energy prices and prompting a UN FAO warning of a crisis. Oman, a mediator, hosted secret talks that shaped diplomacy. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi (aka Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi), and Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and ambassador Mohammad Amin-Nejad are the key actors. Oman’s 5-million population benefits from U.S. trade ties.
Official Responses and Criticism
Trump reiterated that “the strait’s gotta be open to everybody” and that the United States will “watch over it,” rejecting control. The State Department posted the remarks on X. Oman’s foreign ministry declined comment; Iran’s ambassador confirmed interest in a “fee for services” deal with Oman. Regional analysts called the threat “reckless,” saying it could undermine Oman’s mediator role. Omani officials have warned that U.S. pressure risks regional trust.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources differ on whether Iran-Oman talks involved a formal toll or merely “fees for services.” The strait’s closure is described as “nearly three months” by some outlets and “about 90 days” by others. No official Omani response was obtained, leaving the government’s precise stance unclear. Some reports suggest Trump may have misspoken, conflating Oman with Iran, but no clarification followed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nobody’s going to control it.” — Donald Trump, White House Cabinet meeting
- “Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we'll have to blow them up.” — Donald Trump, White House Cabinet meeting
- “The strait is going to be open to everybody.” — Donald Trump, White House Cabinet meeting
- “And if they won’t, then the man on my left is going to finish them off,” — Donald Trump, referring to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Outlook
U.S. officials indicated that any final peace deal with Iran may hinge on Oman’s acceptance of open, toll-free navigation. Diplomatic back-channels remain active, and the UN is slated to hold an emergency food-security session later this month. Congressional debate over additional War Powers measures continues. The trajectory of Hormuz negotiations will shape global energy markets through the end of 2026.
