Trump Threatens Oman Over Potential Interference in Iran Blockade

President Donald Trump reportedly told Fox News that the United States would bomb Oman if the Gulf state disrupted the U.S. naval blockade aimed at pressuring Iran. The threat was made during a phone interview on the morning of August 16, 2026, the same day Trump arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Trump added that there is “no time schedule” for reaching a peace agreement with Iran and that he is “not in a hurry” to end the conflict.

Forbes

Since June, the United States and Iran have operated under a memorandum of understanding that set a 60-day deadline for a permanent peace agreement and a 60-day cease-fire, while also establishing a U.S. blockade of ships entering and leaving Iran’s ports. Negotiations between Iran and Oman to manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have stalled, and the United States has repeatedly claimed the strait will become “territory of the United States” once Iran is defeated. The broader regional conflict has been widened by Iran-backed Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and a Red Sea naval blockade.

Forbes

Trump asserted that the USS Abraham Lincoln’s record-long deployment in the Middle East has “not lasted nearly long enough,” despite concerns voiced by sailors’ families and some lawmakers about conditions aboard the carrier. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded on X, urging Trump to “accept the reality” that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iranian control and accusing the president of “fanciful delusions.”

Forbes

Trump’s statements suggest the conflict with Iran could expand to include a direct U.S. confrontation with Oman, a nation traditionally viewed as neutral. By framing higher fuel prices as a necessary sacrifice, the administration signals an intent to maintain pressure on Iran despite stalled negotiations. No specific future diplomatic steps or deadlines have been announced, leaving the risk of regional escalation unresolved.

Forbes