The United States has expressed strong opposition to an impending agreement between Oman and Iran. This deal includes collaborative management of the vital shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, two regional officials indicated that President Donald Trump had issued a threat to bomb Oman. This follows the U.S. administration’s dissatisfaction with the details of Oman’s negotiations with Iran, which includes voluntary fees related to maritime security and environmental protection.
A projectile recently struck a ship exiting the strait, while a cargo vessel off Yemen was severely damaged by multiple projectiles. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that two ballistic missiles from Iran landed in the sea without causing injuries or damage. Iran has declared the strait will remain closed until the U.S. fulfills certain conditions.
The Trump administration perceives Oman as overly lenient with Iran. This perspective stems partly from Oman’s decision to implement voluntary safety-related charges despite the broader geopolitical context. An anonymous source provided insights into the U.S. stance, as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
On social media, Trump depicted the Strait of Hormuz as a U.S. territory, reiterating his position during an Oval Office session. This is not the first time Trump has threatened Oman, having made similar remarks in May. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded by calling Trump’s interpretation a delusion, asserting the firm stance Iran will maintain on the strait until U.S. demands are met.
The potential agreement between Oman and Iran could pave the way for renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. This agreement might address a range of regional security concerns. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Omani counterpart discussed potential security and stability benefits, but avoided directly addressing Trump’s threats.
Despite the ongoing negotiations and reported maritime strikes, Trump stated that the strait remains open. He emphasized the continued U.S. blockade and removal of water mines from the area. The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed that the missiles launched by Iran targeted maritime traffic. Following previous conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, such threats to UAE shipping are not unprecedented.
Additionally, projectiles recently damaged a ship and caused casualties off Oman’s coast. The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations center reported these incidents, with the Omani Coast Guard providing assistance. While an investigation is underway, the responsibility remains unclear.
Near Yemen, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have intensified their assaults on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. These attacks have targeted Saudi-backed government forces, raising concerns over the Bab al-Mandab Strait’s security. Recent Houthi drone strikes targeted a Saudi Aramco refinery, threatening to exacerbate Yemen’s civil war and further destabilize the region.