President Donald Trump stunned Americans on Wednesday, May 27, when he warned that the United States could “blow up” Oman, a longtime ally in the Middle East, if the country does not fall in line on control of the Strait of Hormuz.
The remark came during a Cabinet meeting at the White House as Trump fielded questions about efforts to reopen the vital waterway, the Strait of Hormuz.
The strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, has been closed for nearly 90 days amid tensions with Iran. That shutdown has driven up global oil prices and rattled energy markets.
Trump Warns Oman to ‘Behave’
“Oman will behave just like everyone else, or we’ll have to blow them up,” Trump said. He added that nobody would control the Strait.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were also present when Trump issued the threat.
The comment marked a sharp turn in tone toward Oman, a country the U.S. has long viewed as a quiet mediator in the region.
Oman has helped facilitate talks between Washington and Tehran in the past and maintains ties with both sides.
Trump’s frustration centers on stalled efforts to strike a peace deal with Iran and get oil and gas flowing again through the strait.
He has pushed for a short-term arrangement but made clear he wants bigger concessions from Arab nations.
Trump Links Hormuz Talks to Israel Agreements
During the same meeting, Trump reiterated his call for countries such as Oman to sign the Abraham Accords, the normalization agreements with Israel that he championed in his first term.
He said those nations “owe it to us” for dealing with Iran’s nuclear program and the current standoff.
“I’m not sure we should make the deal if they don’t sign,” Trump said.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created real pain at gas pumps and in global markets. Experts warn that even if the waterway reopens soon, higher energy costs could linger for months and slow economic growth.
Trump announced plans in early May for U.S. Navy ships to escort civilian tankers, but those plans were suspended days later.
Peace talks with Iran remain delicate amid a shaky ceasefire. Trump has floated the idea of an inclusive deal to end the conflict, with Israel in the mix, yet he suggested Wednesday that he might walk away unless regional allies meet his demands.
Also Read: Iran Removes Toll on Strait of Hormuz, Introduces New Hidden Charges
U.S. negotiators are pressing Iran to give up its stockpile of enriched uranium and abandon any effort to rebuild its nuclear program.
In return, officials have discussed possible sanctions relief and access to frozen assets. That approach has drawn fire from hardliners who want tougher terms or even regime change.
Some Republicans Grow Uneasy Over Conflict
On Capitol Hill, support for giving Trump wide latitude is showing cracks. The House sidestepped a War Powers resolution passed by the Senate before the Memorial Day break.
Some Republicans worry about the open-ended nature of the conflict and its growing costs. Despite the GOP’s majorities in both chambers, a handful of party members have begun to break ranks.
Trump brushed off concerns about the political impact ahead of this fall’s midterm elections. He pointed to Texas, where Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated longtime Sen. John Cornyn in a Republican primary, as proof his brand remains strong.
Also Read: Fox’s Jessica Tarlov Claims Trump Is Fast-Tracking Iran Deal for Midterm Political Gain
“I don’t care about the midterms; look what happened last night,” Trump told reporters. “That was the prelude to the midterms.”
The threat against Oman, a nation that hosts U.S. military facilities and has avoided direct confrontation with Washington, raised eyebrows even among some supporters.
Oman’s geography makes it central to any lasting solution for the strait. Reports say forcing its hand could complicate diplomacy rather than accelerate it.
Iran and Oman share responsibility for different parts of the waterway, and any lasting deal will likely need buy-in from both.
Back at the White House, Trump still describes the situation as one where America holds the cards.
He wants gratitude in the form of Abraham Accords signatures and clear rules on Hormuz traffic.
