Trump Threatens to 'Blow Up' U.S. Ally Oman Over Strait of Hormuz Negotiations

During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, President Trump threatened military action against Oman, a longstanding U.S. ally, over reported negotiations with Iran to jointly manage and charge tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated: 'Oman will behave like everybody else, or we'll have to blow them up. They understand that.' The threat was made in response to Iranian state media reports of talks between Oman and Iran about controlling the strategic waterway, which has been largely closed since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran began in February 2026. The casual nature of the threat during a routine cabinet meeting alarmed observers and raised questions about U.S. Gulf policy. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international waterway through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes.

"Oman will behave like everybody else, or we'll have to blow them up. They understand that." — Statement made during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in response to Iranian state media reports of Oman-Iran negotiations over Strait of Hormuz management. The threat was delivered casually during routine governance proceedings.