Trump’s threats anger Omanis, leave observers puzzled
President Donald Trump has repeated threats to 'blow up' Oman due to the country's ongoing diplomatic negotiations with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Observers and former diplomats remain puzzled by the rhetoric, given Oman's role as a neutral mediator.
Why it matters
The threats complicate US-Omani relations and raise questions about the stability of maritime transit in a vital global oil chokepoint.
Oman, a historic partner for the United States and proven mediator to Iran, was once again threatened by President Donald Trump over its negotiations with the Islamic Republic, leaving many in the region confused. Trump’s warning on Monday reiterated a threat he issued in May to “blow up” Oman over its ongoing negotiations with Iran, again concerning the Strait of Hormuz, despite Trump himself agreeing in a signed document that Muscat would “conduct dialogue” with Tehran to define the future administration and maritime services in the strait. Washington’s former ambassador to Oman, Marc J. Sievers was left “puzzled” on what caused the threats to the Gulf Arab country. “Perhaps Trump didn’t mean to be taken literally but more the matter of getting the Omani attention, which I’m sure he did,” Sievers told CNN.
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