Full Breakdown
Tension Over the Strait of Hormuz: Trump, Oman, and the Iran Conflict
8/22/2026, 12:29:45 AM
Core Event
In the ongoing war that began in February between the United States and Iran, President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on the Sultanate of Oman. The president has threatened to “bomb the shit” out of the country unless it complies with U.S. demands, has claimed the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened and cleared of mines, and has vowed to declare the waterway a U.S. territory. At the same time, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned of sanctions if Oman pursues fees for ships transiting the strait.
Background & Context
For more than a decade, Oman served as Washington’s principal back-channel to Tehran, providing a discreet venue that enabled the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. Jake Sullivan, a senior U.S. negotiator, later said the deal would not have happened without Oman’s mediation. The sultanate’s diplomatic flexibility also granted the United States military access near the strategically vital choke point, while allowing Oman to maintain independent relations with regional powers, including Iran.
Official Statements & Responses
Secretary of State Marco Rubio repeatedly emphasized that the strait must remain an open and free waterway. A U.S. official involved in the negotiations described Oman’s handling of talks as “dishonorable,” accusing Omani intermediaries of presenting a false picture of progress while privately offering proposals the United States found unacceptable. Oman’s diplomat countered that the country’s lawyers consider maritime fees lawful under international practice and that Muscat has no intention of violating any law. Jon Alterman, chair of global security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, likened Oman’s non-aligned stance to Switzerland’s neutrality.
Criticism & Opposition
Omani officials reject the U.S. accusation of false statements and assert that their efforts aim to keep commercial shipping moving in accordance with international law. Several Gulf states have objected to the idea of charging passage fees, arguing it could further disrupt already-slim traffic through the strait.
Impact and Outlook
The Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied-natural-gas shipments, now sees traffic reduced to a “trickle,” with trackers showing volumes far below pre-war levels. The dispute over Oman's role threatens to undermine a long-standing diplomatic channel and could prolong the maritime stalemate, leaving global energy markets vulnerable to further volatility.
