United States President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if the country interferes with American efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was made this Monday (17), during a telephone interview with Fox News.
Trump threatens to bomb Oman if country 'disrupts' Hormuz deal
United States President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if the country interferes with American efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz. The statement was made this Monday (17), during a telephone interview with Fox News. "If Oman...
Fox News did not release audio of the conversation. The threat comes as Oman and Iran advance in negotiations to define new navigation rules through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for international oil and gas trade.
- Before the current conflict, around a fifth of the oil traded worldwide passed through the region.
- Iran and Oman advance agreement on Strait of Hormuz The Iranian government reported that the two countries have already reached an understanding on the map of the routes that would be used...
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"If Oman meddles, we will bomb them," Trump said, according to reporter Trey Yingst, from the American broadcaster. Fox News did not release audio of the conversation.
The threat comes as Oman and Iran advance in negotiations to define new navigation rules through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for international oil and gas trade. Before the current conflict, around a fifth of the oil traded worldwide passed through the region.
Iran and Oman advance agreement on Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian government reported that the two countries have already reached an understanding on the map of the routes that would be used by ships in the strait.
According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, the parties are now working to finalize the details and draft a joint statement. The proposal envisages the creation of specific routes for the entry and exit of vessels.
Tehran says the objective is to establish a system that takes into account the rights of Iran and Oman, the two countries that border the Strait of Hormuz, and that allows the safe passage of commercial ships.
Negotiations also involve technical issues related to navigation safety, environmental protection, maritime services and combating crime.
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a US demand
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic is one of Washington's main demands in negotiations related to the conflict with Iran. The United States wants an acceptable agreement on the passage of vessels before lifting the blockade imposed on Iranian ports.
It is not yet clear, however, whether the agreement negotiated directly between Tehran and Muscat will meet the conditions imposed by the American government.
Iran has already indicated that an agreement with Oman alone would not be enough to guarantee the full reopening of the crossing. Tehran also demands changes in the United States' stance, including the end of sanctions and military threats.
Trump had previously made threats against Oman. In May, during a cabinet meeting, the president stated that the country would have to follow American demands or it could suffer attacks.
Monday's statements increase tension around negotiations to reestablish commercial flow through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains severely reduced amid the conflict between the United States and Iran.
Iran threatens US with "strategic surprises" and "offensive" posture
Revolutionary Guard says Iranian forces will adopt a more proactive military strategy and warns of possible "strategic surprises". Statements come amid the impasse with Washington over the Strait of Hormuz and the end of the term of a temporary agreement