Trump threatens to ‘blow up’ US ally Oman amid talks over strait of Hormuz
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- US President Donald Trump threatened to "blow up" Oman if it fails to "behave," amid reports that Oman and Iran are discussing jointly charging tolls for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump emphasized that the strait, a vital waterway carrying about a fifth of the world's oil supplies, will remain open to all and not controlled by any nation, asserting US oversight.
- Oman, which has strong military and economic ties with the US and has acted as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict, has reportedly been targeted by Iran to support toll collection in the strait.
- The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blockaded by Iran since February, causing a global energy crisis, while Trump accused Iran of delaying peace negotiations to outwait US midterm elections.
- Republican hawks, including Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker, criticized Trump's attempts at a ceasefire with Iran, warning it would undermine recent military operations.