Trump threatens to bomb Oman as US-Iran ceasefire expires

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman, a US ally, if the nation obstructs negotiations with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The statement, made during a phone interview with Fox News, coincides with the expiry of a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran that had aimed to secure a ceasefire.

During the interview, Trump claimed the United States maintained a direct backchannel with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). An IRGC spokesman later denied this assertion, describing the claim as a lie and attributing it to "delusions and nightmares" resulting from what it termed Iranian defeat in the conflict.

Iranian officials, however, indicated they were nearing a resolution with Oman to reopen the shipping route, which has been largely blocked since US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that an understanding had been reached regarding the map of the transit route, with details to be finalised before a joint statement was issued.

The MoU, signed on 18 June, collapsed after both sides resumed strikes, with Trump declaring the ceasefire over in July. As the agreement formally expired, Trump posted on Truth Social that the primary objective remained preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He also stated he was not in a hurry to end the war, dismissing the impact of upcoming US midterm elections on his decision-making.

While Oman has suffered strikes from Iran since the conflict began, it continues to act as a neutral mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has previously suggested that a full reopening of the strait depends on US compensation for violations of the MoU, with reports indicating Tehran sought fees of between 5% and 7% of cargo prices for vessels using the waterway.