By The Pulseline News Desk
US President Donald Trump sparked international concern on Wednesday after appearing to threaten military action against Oman, a long-standing American ally in the Gulf, during remarks about control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump dismissed suggestions that Iran and Oman could jointly oversee shipping arrangements in the narrow waterway, through which nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.
“The strait is going to be open to everybody,” Trump told reporters. “It’s international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow them up.”
The unusually blunt remark immediately triggered diplomatic unease and renewed fears over escalating tensions in the Middle East, where negotiations involving the US, Iran, and regional mediators have grown increasingly fragile.
The White House did not clarify whether Trump had misspoken or intended to refer to Iran rather than Oman. However, the US State Department later circulated a transcript and video clip of the comments without correction, suggesting the statement reflected the administration’s official position.
Oman has traditionally served as one of Washington’s closest partners in the Gulf and has often played a quiet but influential mediating role between the US and Iran during periods of heightened tension.
The Gulf state has been deeply involved in diplomatic efforts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a globally critical maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to international shipping lanes.
Recent reports that Tehran and Muscat were discussing mechanisms to regulate or levy tolls on shipping through the strait appear to have intensified concerns in Washington.
Trump’s remarks come amid stalled negotiations aimed at reducing tensions between the US and Iran following months of military escalation in the region.
Analysts say the comments reflect growing frustration within the US administration as efforts to secure a broader regional agreement continue to face setbacks.
“The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints,” said a Middle East analyst based in London. “Any rhetoric suggesting military action involving Gulf states immediately rattles energy markets and regional diplomacy.”
Global oil markets reacted nervously following Trump’s comments, with crude prices climbing amid fears of potential disruptions to shipping routes in the Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying massive volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports from Gulf producers to Asia, Europe, and beyond.
For countries heavily dependent on imported fuel — including many South Asian economies — any instability in the region could translate into higher energy prices, inflationary pressure, and economic uncertainty.
Diplomatic observers also warned that the comments risk undermining Oman’s role as a neutral intermediary in regional negotiations.
Muscat has historically maintained balanced relations with both Washington and Tehran, allowing it to facilitate backchannel talks during previous crises involving Iran’s nuclear program and regional security.
Critics of Trump’s remarks described the language as inflammatory and potentially damaging to US alliances in the Middle East.
Human rights advocates and foreign policy analysts questioned whether threats directed at an ally could further destabilise an already volatile region.
(With input from news agencies)
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