Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it obstructs US position on Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump threatened on 17 August 2026 to bomb Oman if the country interfered with American efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in a phone interview reported by Fox News, Trump said: “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them.” He later told reporters in the Oval Office that Oman had not “behaved very well” and that the United States could handle the situation easily.

Oman has been negotiating separately with Iran on arrangements for shipping traffic through the strait, which has been largely closed for nearly six months during the US-Iran conflict. Iranian officials said an understanding had been reached on a transit route map. The Trump administration has opposed key elements of that arrangement, including joint Iranian-Omani management of the exit route and the collection of voluntary fees from vessels.

The 60-day temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran expired without an extension. Trump ruled out a near-term renewal and called on Iran to surrender. Oil prices rose, with Brent crude moving above $90 a barrel amid continued uncertainty over the waterway that carries a large share of global oil and gas exports.

Oman has traditionally maintained a neutral mediation role in the region. Former US ambassador to Oman Marc Sievers described the threat as an attempt to gain attention rather than a practical plan of attack, while noting that Oman appeared to have lost American support on the issue.

A cargo vessel was struck by a projectile while transiting the strait on 18 August, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, causing engine-room damage and a crew casualty.