Trump’s threats anger Omanis, leave observers puzzled

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.

Muscat has branded itself as a neutral operator during the war, maintaining relations with Iran even as the latter fired large salvos of missiles and drones at neighboring Arab countries, and sometimes on Oman Throughout the war, it continued dialogue with Iran over ships transiting the vital Strait of Hormuz – which runs through Omani territory – and is currently negotiating with Tehran on managing the waterway despite global concern over Iran’s ambitions to seize the chokepoint.… It is short sighted because Oman will likely be key to any future US-Iran peace deal and transit regime in the strait that emerges from it,” he said.