Trump Threatens Oman Over Iran Strait of Hormuz Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Oman could be bombed after the Gulf nation moved toward a joint management agreement with Iran for the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments. The warning followed a projectile strike on a vessel exiting the strait and a cargo ship that was declared a “constructive total loss” after multiple projectiles hit it off Yemen’s coast. The United Arab Emirates’ defense ministry reported two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the UAE, though no damage or injuries were confirmed.

Associated Press

Oman and Iran have been negotiating a deal to jointly manage traffic through the strait, including the collection of voluntary security-related fees from vessels. The United States has opposed parts of the pending agreement, arguing that Oman has not been sufficiently tough in its talks with Tehran. The strait’s importance has risen since recent regional hostilities, during which Iranian missiles and drones frequently targeted the UAE.

Associated Press

• Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he liked the idea of declaring the strait U.S. territory and later posted a map depicting it as such. He also asserted that a U.S. blockade of the strait remains “in full force and effect” and that all water mines have been removed.

Associated Press

• The White House declined to comment further on Trump’s remarks.

Associated Press

• Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded on X, calling Trump’s view a “delusion” that will be corrected.

Associated Press

• Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said the strait will not reopen until the United States fulfills its commitments under the agreement, including lifting the blockade and sanctions.

Associated Press

• Egypt’s foreign ministry said the Oman-Iran deal could enable Washington and Tehran to return to “a comprehensive and permanent deal” that enhances regional security.

Associated Press

• The UAE defense ministry said the missiles fell into the sea and that assessments indicated they were aimed at maritime traffic.

Associated Press

• One projectile damaged a ship’s engine room and caused a casualty, though the crew member’s condition was unclear.

Associated Press

• A cargo vessel was deemed a total loss after being struck about 40 nautical miles (74 km) southeast of Mokha, Yemen.

Associated Press

• Two ballistic missiles were launched from Iran toward the UAE; both landed in the sea with no reported injuries.

Associated Press

• “Just as Trump correctly wrote the name of the eternal Persian Gulf, his delusion regarding the Strait of Hormuz will soon either be corrected, or we will correct this deluded man’s delusions for him,” — Kazem Gharibabadi, deputy foreign minister

Associated Press

• “Until the United States fulfills its commitments under the agreement, including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen assets, lifting oil sanctions, ending threats and military operations on all fronts, and implementing the other conditions to which it committed, the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen,” — Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, parliamentary speaker

Associated Press