Trump threatens military action against Oman as Strait of Hormuz negotiations stall
Washington’s ultimatum follows the collapse of a US-Iran peace memorandum and a new shipping agreement between Tehran and Muscat.
US President Donald Trump has threatened military strikes against Oman if the nation obstructs peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation coincides with the expiration of a 60-day Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, which had previously facilitated a period of talks but ultimately collapsed due to disagreements over maritime control.
Trump stated on Fox News that his administration had opened a direct backchannel for discussions with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a claim immediately rejected by Tehran. An IRGC spokesman dismissed the assertion as a fantasy born of desperation, confirming that no direct talks were underway. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that Muscat and Tehran had reached an agreement on a new shipping route for the critical waterway, with officials preparing a joint declaration to formalise the arrangement.
The US President also declared intentions to designate the Strait of Hormuz as US territory following the conclusion of hostilities with Iran. This assertion was met with defiance from Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, who stated on social media that the strait could not be appropriated by executive decree or military force. The threat marks a significant escalation in rhetoric, particularly given Oman’s status as a longstanding US ally and a neutral mediator in the region.
Tensions have severely impacted global markets, with international government bond yields rising to multi-decade highs on Tuesday. The surge in borrowing costs tracks US Treasury yields amid growing investor uncertainty. Simultaneously, Brent crude futures climbed to $91.22 a barrel, reflecting ongoing energy supply disruptions caused by the blockade of Iranian ports and the closure of the strait to unrestricted shipping.
The diplomatic rift highlights a strategic divergence between Washington and its regional partners. While the US insists on maintaining control over the waterway and prohibiting tolls, Iran and Oman are pursuing a mechanism that safeguards the sovereign rights of both littoral states. Experts suggest that a bilateral agreement excluding US intervention underscores perceived American impotence in the region, further complicating efforts to secure a lasting peace plan.
