Trump Threatens to “Blow Up” Oman in Strait of Hormuz Row as Iran Crisis Spirals

President Donald Trump sparked diplomatic backlash after reportedly warning during a Cabinet meeting that the United States could “blow up” Oman if it refused to align with Washington’s demands over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

According to accounts of the meeting, Trump reiterated his push for countries in the Middle East to join the Abraham Accords and support U.S. efforts to reshape regional alignments, while also addressing ongoing discussions involving Iran and Oman over the management of transit through the strategically vital waterway.

In response to a question about a possible arrangement giving Iran and Oman shared oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump issued a stark warning, stating, “Oman will behave just like everyone else, or we’ll have to blow them up. Nobody’s going to control it.” He later reinforced his position by insisting that the United States would monitor the strait to prevent any single actor from asserting dominance over it.

The comments were quickly circulated by official U.S. channels, intensifying international attention at a time when the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly been largely shut for months, disrupting global energy shipments and contributing to rising oil and gas prices. Analysts warn that even a partial reopening would not immediately resolve broader supply chain instability.

Washington’s attempts to restore normal shipping through the strait have so far produced no breakthrough. Earlier proposals involving U.S. naval escorts for civilian vessels were paused shortly after being announced, while broader negotiations with Tehran remain stalled amid continuing tensions and intermittent military exchanges.

Trump also suggested he might reconsider a peace agreement with Iran if regional states refused to support U.S. diplomatic conditions, saying, “I’m not sure we should make the deal if they don’t sign.” He further downplayed domestic political concerns, stating that developments in Congress or upcoming elections would not influence his approach.

The remarks triggered swift condemnation from Iranian officials. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described the threats as “dangerous and bullying,” arguing that targeting a sovereign UN member state undermines international law and regional stability, particularly given Oman’s long-standing role as a mediator in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

Iranian officials also framed the comments as part of a broader pattern of escalation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, which they say has been effectively blocked since earlier this year amid regional military conflict. Tehran has reportedly explored mechanisms involving Oman to manage transit fees for shipping, further complicating negotiations.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil flows, and any prolonged disruption has significant implications for international markets.

The controversy unfolds alongside wider regional tensions involving U.S. strikes and counterstrikes in the Gulf, reported Iranian retaliatory actions against American positions in the region, and escalating exchanges involving allied forces and non-state actors across multiple fronts.

Meanwhile, diplomatic divisions in Washington are also becoming more visible, with lawmakers increasingly questioning the administration’s approach to Iran. Although Republican majorities remain in Congress, internal disagreements have slowed legislative moves on war powers measures linked to the conflict.

At the same time, more hardline voices continue to argue that any potential agreement with Tehran would be insufficient unless it includes sweeping restrictions on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, underscoring the political complexity surrounding ongoing negotiations.