US President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a sharp threat toward Oman after reports of possible joint management of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and the sultanate. When asked whether he would accept a short-term agreement allowing Tehran and Muscat to control the strait, Trump replied: "No, the strait will be open to everyone." Addressing Oman, he added: "This is international waters, and Oman will behave like everyone else, otherwise we'll have to blow them up."
The phrase "blow them up" sparked intense debate. The White House did not promptly respond to reporters' questions about whether it was a slip of the tongue or whether Iran was meant. The US State Department later published video and a transcript of Trump's remarks without any corrections or clarifications. That silence only intensified disputes over the tone of the statements and their political and military consequences.
In the Arab world, Trump's words provoked widespread outrage. Writers, politicians and activists called them "bandit rhetoric." Angry comments spread on social media, emphasizing that a threat to a Gulf state's sovereignty was unacceptable. One post read: "Oman will behave like any other country, otherwise it will be blown up." This created diplomatic and media pressure on Washington in the region.
The threat came after Iranian state television reported on a draft preliminary agreement mediated by Pakistan. According to the document, Tehran together with Muscat was to assume responsibility for managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, undertaking to restore commercial vessel transit to pre-war levels within a month. The channel noted that the "preliminary framework of understanding" was still being finalized and was not final.
Later, the White House called the Iranian TV report "false" and the memorandum itself "completely fabricated." However, the official refutation was delayed against the backdrop of Trump's statements, which caused informational and diplomatic confusion. The incident vividly demonstrated the sensitivity of the Strait of Hormuz issue and how sharp remarks by the US leader can affect regional stability and the positions of neighboring states.
Comments on the news
- Why is Oman specifically involved in this conflict, given that it is usually considered a neutral mediator in the region? - Oman has historically maintained neutrality in regional conflicts, which allows it to act as a mediator. The sultanate has diplomatic channels with both Iran and the West (for example, the US) and does not participate in military blocs such as the Saudi-led coalition. This makes Oman a convenient "honest broker" for negotiations, especially on Strait of Hormuz issues.
- What historical and economic ties bind Iran and Oman in the context of the Strait of Hormuz? - Iran and Oman have a long history of cooperation: they jointly manage the waters of the Strait of Hormuz through bilateral agreements, including coordination of navigation and environmental protection. Economically, a significant share of Iranian and Omani oil and liquefied gas exports passes through the strait. In addition, the countries have joint projects such as plans for a "Peace Pipeline" through Oman.
- Why did Pakistan become a mediator in talks between Iran and Oman on this issue? - Pakistan has friendly relations with both countries: it maintains close ties with Iran through cultural and linguistic affinities (Balochi communities, Shi'ism) and with Oman through historical trade relations. Moreover, Pakistan often acts as a regional mediator (for example, in the Afghan conflict) and can offer a negotiating venue that does not arouse distrust from Tehran or Muscat.
Full version: ترمب يهدد بـ"نسف" عُمان إذا دعمت إيران بشأن مضيق هرمز