Donald Trump has warned that the United States could take military action against Oman if the Gulf nation attempts to control the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and Israel.
Trump made the remarks during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday after reports emerged that Iranian state television had obtained an unofficial draft proposal concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the reported draft, Iran and Oman would jointly oversee maritime traffic through the waterway, which has faced major disruptions since the outbreak of conflict earlier this year.
Responding to questions from journalists, Trump insisted that the strait must remain open to all international shipping and rejected the idea of any single country controlling it. He stated that the US would continue monitoring the waterway and warned that Oman would face severe consequences if it attempted to dominate the route.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, handling nearly a quarter of global seaborne oil exports and a significant share of liquefied natural gas shipments. Iran and Oman are located on opposite sides of the narrow passage, giving both countries major influence over maritime activity in the region.
Tensions around the strait intensified after the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran earlier this year. In response, Tehran restricted passage for vessels linked to what it called “hostile nations,” while Washington later announced restrictions targeting Iranian ports and shipping operations.
Iran has argued that it has the sovereign right to regulate maritime traffic through the strait and potentially collect transit fees. Tehran has also linked any future peace agreement to several demands, including compensation for damages, the withdrawal of American forces from the region, and an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Gaza.
Meanwhile, the US continues to insist that Iran dismantle its nuclear program completely, although Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful and intended for civilian purposes only.
Oman, traditionally viewed as a key regional mediator and close US partner, had previously hosted indirect talks between Washington and Tehran before negotiations were suspended following the latest escalation in the region.