US President Donald Trump issued a severe military warning to Oman on Wednesday, demanding the Gulf nation "behave" or face American attacks over its reported plans to jointly manage a shipping toll system with Iran.
Speaking during a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump rejected any joint Iranian-Omani maritime control over the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global energy corridor. "Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we'll have to blow them up. They understand that. They'll be fine," Trump told reporters, emphasizing that the strategic waterway consists of international waters that must remain open to all nations.
The diplomatic flare-up comes amid reports that Oman, historically a key neutral mediator between Washington and Tehran, is collaborating with Iran to establish a transit toll system for ships. An Omani exclave sits directly on the southern tip of the strait, directly across from Iran. The waterway has been severely restricted since February 28, when a joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran prompted Tehran to disrupt shipping, triggering global energy shortfalls and skyrocketing oil prices.
While a temporary ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8 remains in place under an indefinite extension, peace negotiations have hit significant roadblocks. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the current draft terms, warning he is ready to "finish the job" militarily if talks fail. He noted that Iran is beginning to yield to US demands but remains "negotiating on fumes."
Beyond maritime control, Trump firmly ruled out any compromise on Iran's nuclear program, stating he would not permit Tehran's strategic allies, Russia or China to take custody of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
He also maintained a hardline stance on economic pressure, refusing to lift the current naval blockade, ease sanctions, or release frozen Iranian assets. "We'll keep control of that money. When they behave properly, and they do what's right, we'll let them have their money," Trump concluded.
