Trump Threatens Oman Over Hormuz Deal

President Donald Trump warned that the United States would “bomb the sh*t out of” Oman if the Gulf nation interferes with a prospective arrangement between Iran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Trump added that Oman had not been cooperative but asserted that the United States has “handled them very easily.” The remarks came as the U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding, which governs navigation through the strait, approaches its expiration on Monday.

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Oman has long acted as a mediator between Tehran and Washington, facilitating indirect talks on maritime access. Recent discussions involve a possible “tolling scheme” that would allow Iran and Oman to manage traffic through the strait without direct U.S. involvement. A U.S. official told Semafor that many regional states would accept such a deal, but expressed concern that it could bypass American interests. The pending expiration of the U.S.–Iran memorandum adds urgency to the diplomatic calculations.

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The unnamed U.S. leverage.

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• “But Trump really wants to say he opened up the strait without a direct toll.” — Donald Trump, president

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If Oman proceeds with a tolling arrangement, the United States could lose a strategic foothold in the Hormuz corridor, potentially reshaping maritime security protocols. Conversely, a hardline U.S. stance, as signaled by Trump’s threat, may pressure Oman to align more closely with Washington’s terms, preserving the status quo but risking heightened tensions with Iran. The outcome will hinge on negotiations that conclude before the memorandum’s Monday deadline.

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