US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with a US agreement with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump made the threat on Monday while speaking to Fox News journalist Trey Yingst about ongoing talks between Oman and Iran over the strategic waterway.
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump said.
Omani and Iranian officials have been discussing arrangements for maritime navigation through the strait for several weeks. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that both countries were working on a joint declaration.
Trump, however, has continued to claim that the Strait of Hormuz is under US control, despite reduced shipping activity since Iran effectively closed the route when the Middle East war began on February 28.
On Friday, Trump said he could declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory. Iran rejected the claim, insisting that the waterway “will remain Iranian.”
Before the US-Israeli war against Iran began, the Strait of Hormuz was regarded as an international waterway. It is a major route for global energy supplies and the movement of other commodities.
Iran has used its control of the strait as leverage against US-led efforts to weaken its military and pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme.
The strait lies between Iran to the north and Oman to the south.
Trump also called on Iran to surrender, saying it should “put up the white flag of surrender.”
Despite the pressure surrounding the conflict and growing concerns ahead of the November midterm elections, Trump said he was not in a hurry to reach an agreement with Iran.
He also disclosed that his administration has a direct back-channel with officials of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
“They’re good poker players, but they’re dying,” Trump added.