Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it blocks the U.S.-Iran agreement on the Strait of Hormuz and called on Iran to surrender.
On Monday, 17 Aug 2026 GMT+7, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it "interferes" with the U.S.-Iran deal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and urged Iran to surrender after months of ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
"If Oman interferes, we will bomb them into oblivion," Trump told Trey Yingst, a reporter from Fox News, referring to ongoing negotiations between Oman and Iran over control of the strait, while Washington is conducting its own talks.
Iranian and Omani officials have been discussing navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz for several weeks, and Iran's Foreign Ministry stated on Monday morning that both sides are drafting a joint declaration.
Nevertheless, Trump has repeatedly asserted that the Strait of Hormuz is under U.S. control, even though in practice maritime traffic remains heavily obstructed and slowed.
Last Friday (14 Aug), Trump went so far as to claim he would declare the Strait of Hormuz part of U.S. territory, while Iran responded that this vital energy transit route "will remain Iranian territory."
Before the U.S.-Israel and Iran conflict erupted on 28 Feb, the Strait of Hormuz was considered an international waterway, serving as a transit route for over one-fifth of the world's crude oil and other commodities.
Iran has effectively used its control over the Strait of Hormuz as leverage to counter U.S. efforts to dismantle its military and pressure it to abandon its long-contested nuclear energy program.
Besides threatening Oman, Trump also said Iran should "wave the white flag and surrender."
Trump affirmed he is not in a rush to reach a deal, despite the war’s unpopularity among Americans, as the crucial U.S. midterm elections approach in November, with Democrats seeking to regain control of Congress from Trump's Republican Party.
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Source:cna