US President Trump threatens Oman over disputed Strait of Hormuz access

US President Donald Trump has made a statement during a cabinet meeting that Oman, a US ally, will be expected to comply with international norms or face potential military action. The remark was in response to a question about the possibility of Iran and Oman collaborating on controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil traffic.

Trump stated that “nobody is going to control it” and that Oman would need to behave like other countries, or else the US might take military action. The US State Department later shared this comment on social media, confirming that Trump had referred to Oman specifically.

Oman has not expressed interest in joining Iran in controlling Hormuz, and the two countries have a long-standing relationship based on multiple cooperation treaties. However, the US and Oman are close allies with a history dating back over 200 years.

Critics have condemned Trump’s statement as reckless, likening it to the tactics of a “mafia boss.” The UN Charter prohibits the threat of force against any state, and critics argue that this approach is inconsistent with international law.

The comment comes after Iran’s state television reported on a draft memorandum of understanding between Iran and Oman regarding joint control of the strait. However, the Trump administration has disputed this report as “a complete fabrication.” The Strait of Hormuz has operated as an open international waterway for decades, but tensions have increased since the US and Israel began bombing Iran in February.

Trump also reiterated his call for Arab countries to establish formal relations with Israel as part of any future US-Iran ceasefire agreement. This push has been a priority for Trump’s administration in recent days.

Source: Al Jazeera