Trump Threatens to “Blow Up” Oman Over Strait of Hormuz Control
May 27, 2026
During a White House cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump warned that the US would use military force against Oman if it collaborated with Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz, drawing sharp criticism and highlighting fractures in ongoing peace negotiations.
Across the spectrum
These sources prioritized straightforward reporting of Trump’s exact quotes and the immediate diplomatic context, treating the remarks as a standard, if blunt, foreign policy warning. They largely omitted critical commentary on the legality of the threat or its domestic political fallout, maintaining a neutral tone focused on the factual exchange.
These outlets framed the comments as reckless and destabilizing, emphasizing the threat against a long-standing US ally and the potential violation of international law. They highlighted critical reactions from human rights advocates and domestic political backlash, portraying the administration’s strategy as coercive and politically fragmented.
Full synthesis
US President Donald Trump warned Oman on Wednesday that the United States would use military force if it collaborated with Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz. During a White House cabinet meeting, Trump declared that the strategic waterway must remain open as international waters, telling reporters, “Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow them up.” He quickly added that Oman understood the position and “they’ll be fine.” The comments follow unverified reports of discussions between Tehran and Muscat regarding joint management or toll collection for ships transiting the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blockaded by Iran since late February, following a US-Israel military operation against Tehran that triggered a global energy crisis and disrupted over 20 percent of worldwide oil traffic. As Washington seeks a ceasefire agreement, Trump reiterated that any deal would require Arab nations to normalize relations with Israel. His aggressive rhetoric drew sharp criticism from human rights advocates, who condemned the threat against a long-standing US ally as reckless and a violation of international law. Meanwhile, domestic political friction emerged as Republican hawks publicly rebuked rumors of a forthcoming ceasefire, arguing it would undermine recent military gains.
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Trump Threatens to “Blow Up” Oman Over Strait of Hormuz Control