Trump Threatens Oman Over Iran Talks, Signals Relentless Pressure

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Oman would be bombed if it interferes with U.S. diplomacy with Iran, according to a Fox News interview. The comment was made during a phone conversation, where Trump also claimed to have a direct back‑channel with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – a claim the IRGC refuted.

Oman, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian military strikes, has positioned itself as a neutral mediator to help reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Iran announced that it has reached an understanding with the U.S. for ships to pass through the strait, and the two sides are finalising the details before a joint statement.

Meanwhile, the 60‑day Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran expires this week. The MoU was intended to move both sides toward a permanent ceasefire, but a shaky ceasefire collapsed as the parties began exchanging retaliatory strikes.

Trump’s remarks came as the U.S. maintains that it must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also downplayed concerns that U.S. stockpiles of weapons are running low, saying that any depletion was “peanuts.”

Iran’s foreign ministry said the progress is positive, but the country is still seeking compensation from the U.S. for what it calls breaches of the MoU. Reuters reports that Tehran is looking for a fee of 5‑7% of cargo prices for ships transiting the strait.

The threat to Oman raises the stakes for an already sensitive region, where the Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Geopolitical tensions are on the rise as the U.S. and Iran continue to lock horns over strategic and diplomatic hurdles.

With the MoU set to expire and Iran’s internal diplomacy in flux, the U.S. appears prepared to go to extremes, including the use of force, to secure its interests in the Middle East.