WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, — US President Donald Trump has threatened to launch a “heavy bombing” campaign against Oman if the Gulf state obstructs efforts to reach an agreement with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, while also calling on Tehran to surrender.
In an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst on Monday, Trump said the United States would attack Oman if it became an obstacle to negotiations concerning control and navigation of the strategically vital waterway.
Iranian and Omani officials have been holding talks for several weeks over arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that the two sides were working on a joint statement.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is under US control, despite Iran having effectively restricted passage through the waterway since the outbreak of the Middle East war on February 28. Maritime traffic through the strait remains significantly reduced.
Last Friday, Trump also said he would declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory. Iran rejected the claim, insisting that the strategically important energy route would remain under Iranian control.
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran to the north and Oman to the south and is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. A substantial share of global oil and other energy shipments passes through the waterway.
Trump also urged Iran to raise a white flag as a symbol of surrender. He said his administration was not in a hurry to reach a deal, despite growing domestic opposition to the war ahead of the November midterm elections.
The US president further claimed that his administration maintains a secret direct communication channel with officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, describing them as “good players” but saying they were close to destruction.
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