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Trump threatens to bomb Oman over Iran deal
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The gist
Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with US-Iran Strait of Hormuz talks. The threat escalates tensions over control of a key oil shipping route.
Background
The US and Iran have been in conflict, with an interim agreement in June allowing toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days. Iran and Oman have been discussing the strait's future, and Trump has warned Oman not to obstruct US efforts to reach a deal with Iran.
How it unfolded
- May 2026Trump casually threatened to 'blow up' Oman at a cabinet meeting if it failed to 'behave'.
- mid-June 2026US and Iran reached an interim agreement for toll-free passage of the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
- Aug 14, 2026Trump threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz as 'a territory of the United States' during a speech.
- Aug 17, 2026Trump told Fox News that if Oman 'gets in the way', the US would 'bomb the shit out of them'.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Trump insists on free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and warns Oman not to interfere.
- Analysts
- The threat escalates tensions in the region, potentially affecting global oil supplies.
Still unverified
Reports of a backchannel with IRGC via Kurdish leader Nechirvan Barzani, based on anonymous sources.