Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman, a US ally in the Middle East, if it “gets in the way” of his efforts to end the US-Israel war with Iran.
The threat against Oman, which is not a party to the war, highlights how Trump’s unpredictable and often confrontational approach to diplomacy has unsettled US partners and has not delivered the progress he promised toward ending the conflict.
The statement came as Iran and Oman negotiate an agreement on managing the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran says is close.
The 60-day temporary ceasefire agreed by the US and Iran on 17 June expired yesterday.
Iran also says it will adopt a “fully offensive” military stance as negotiations with the US remain stalled and prospects for peace recede.
“Iranian authorities must be prepared for an escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region, as Iran will be ready to make decisions and take difficult action,” an Iranian official told Reuters. The official added that Tehran would carry out a “timely and precise” military strike to break the US naval blockade if diplomatic efforts fail.
