Why Did Trump Threaten Oman? Perspectives from Analysts
May 28, Kathmandu – On Wednesday, a journalist asked US President Donald Trump about the regulation of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and Oman. The question was, “Would you accept a short-term agreement allowing Iran and Oman to control that waterway?” Trump responded threateningly, “No one will have control there. It’s an international waterway and Oman must behave politely like everyone else, or else we will have to blow them up.” Initially, it appeared he mistakenly said “Oman” instead of “Iran.” However, the US State Department later shared the official transcript of the remark on social media, confirming the reference to the Arab country.
The United States and Oman share a relationship spanning over 200 years and are known as close allies. Their cooperation extends across security partnerships, free trade agreements, and science and technology accords. Oman has also played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran. On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei expressed solidarity with Oman following the “threats from US officials” and condemned US attacks near Bandar Abbas. Subsequently, the US military launched new strikes targeting military positions in the Strait of Hormuz.
This marks the second US attack on Iran within a week amidst a fragile ceasefire. Tehran labeled the US action as an “attack” and warned of a strong response if such activities recur. According to sources, the US military downed four Iranian combat drones near the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said the strikes targeted a ground control station at Bandar Abbas port, where a fifth drone was being readied for launch. Last Monday night, US forces attacked Bandar Abbas. In a statement, Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins described the action as a “defensive strike.”
Iran condemned the attack as a serious violation of the ceasefire. The strikes occurred while a high-level Iranian delegation was in Qatar negotiating a war-ending agreement with the US and Israel. These attacks amid the fragile truce have plunged West Asia’s future further into uncertainty. On Thursday, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards reported attacking a US airbase near Bandar Abbas airport. The exact location of the attacked base was not disclosed; however, after Kuwait reported intercepting missiles and drones in its airspace, Iran publicly confirmed this claim.
Iran denounced the US actions as “attacks” and warned of a more “decisive” response should such provocations continue, holding the aggressor fully responsible for consequences. On Wednesday, Ibrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, responded to Trump’s remarks on social media, stating that Iran will not remain restrained at the US’s so-called “red line.” He explained that America’s defined red lines include Iran’s right to advance uranium enrichment, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting sanctions.
Azizi said, “Trump is seeking ways to break this strategic stalemate; sometimes threatening and other times appealing for negotiations.” Meanwhile, the US imposed sanctions on the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority,” an Iranian body managing vessel requests in the Strait of Hormuz. A US Treasury Department statement noted that those cooperating with this authority might be aiding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), risking sanctions themselves.
Last week, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority released a map reiterating Tehran’s claims over much of the water space on both sides of the Strait. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “Iranian military’s persistent attempts to forcibly control global maritime trade reflect a regime desperate for cash.” On Wednesday, Trump accused Iran of still not reaching an agreement and denied any talks on lifting sanctions.
Many analysts interpret some of Trump’s actions as an extension of the “Madman Theory.” Trump remarked, “Iran wants to negotiate and we want that too. We’re not satisfied yet, but we will be. Otherwise, we will take full action.” His threats and ongoing attacks have elicited varied reactions. Publicly, he has suggested some countries might in the future become part of American territory, stoking controversy around his perceived imperialist ambitions.
In response, Raed Jarar, Advocacy Director at the Washington-based human rights group “Dawn,” likened Trump’s statements to a “mafia” tactic. Jarar said, “The United Nations Charter prohibits military threats against any nation, and that restriction also binds the US.” He added that threatening to ‘blow up’ an Arab country next to vital oil routes is a legally and mentally reckless mindset that previously triggered war in February. “Any ceasefire brokered by the Trump administration will likely hold only until the next presidential cabinet meeting where tempers flare,” Jarar noted.
Iranian analyst Fouad Izadi noted that Iran is shifting its Strait of Hormuz strategy from military conflict towards legal sovereignty. “The United States is 11,000 kilometers away with authority limited to the Gulf of Mexico,” Izadi said, adding that the Strait is fully under Iranian and Omani jurisdiction and is not international waters. However, Tehran legally charges navigation fees for ships passing through, a practice also followed by Turkey, Australia, and Canada in their waters.
Many experts view Trump’s moves as an extension of the “Madman Theory,” aiming to pressure opponents by signaling possible military action. This policy, also called “gunboat diplomacy,” relies on military power to back diplomatic efforts. Based on this concept, Trump has rejected proposals for joint management of the waterway by Iran and Oman.