Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it 'gets in the way' over Iran issue
President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with US-led negotiations regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. The threat follows ongoing tensions in the region and conflicting reports regarding backchannel communications between the US and the IRGC.
Why it matters
This rhetoric marks a significant escalation in US foreign policy toward neutral regional mediators, potentially destabilizing critical oil shipping routes.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, President Donald Trump arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday from Air Force One
President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if it "gets in the way" of the US's own talks with Iran, Fox News reports.
A reporter for the network said the US president made the comment during a phone call on Monday, during which he also said the US had a direct backchannel with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC later denied it was involved in talks with the US. But Iranian officials said on Monday they were close to finalising with Iran a deal on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the 60-day Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ends on Monday. The memo was a signed commitment from both the US and Iran for further talks to reach a final agreement.
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