Trump warns of bombing Oman over Iran Strait negotiations
President Donald Trump on Monday (August 17, 2026) threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with a U.S. deal with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Fox News interview. He also reiterated a call for Iran to surrender.
In an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, Mr. Trump said, "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb them," referring to ongoing talks between Oman and Iran on maritime navigation through the strait. Washington is simultaneously pursuing its own negotiations with Tehran.
Iranian and Omani officials have been holding discussions for weeks on future arrangements for shipping through the strategic waterway. The Foreign Ministry in Tehran said earlier Monday that the two sides were working on a joint declaration.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments, has been effectively closed by Tehran since the start of the West Asia war on February 28. Mr. Trump has repeatedly asserted that the strait is under U.S. control, despite traffic remaining throttled.
On Friday, August 14, Mr. Trump claimed he would declare the Strait of Hormuz part of U.S. territory. Iran responded that the waterway, which it has blockaded, "will remain Iranian."
Before the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, the strait was an open international waterway, carrying a significant share of global oil and other commodities. Tehran has used its control over the strait as leverage against U.S.-led efforts to dismantle its military and force it to abandon a controversial nuclear programme.
Iran's coast flanks the northern side of the strait, while Oman lies to the south. Mr. Trump also said Iran should "put up the white flag of surrender," according to Mr. Yingst's post on X.
The President insisted he was in no hurry to reach a deal, despite the war's deep unpopularity among Americans ahead of the November midterm elections. Opposition Democrats are seeking to take control of Congress from Mr. Trump's Republicans.
Mr. Trump told Mr. Yingst that a direct back-channel exists between his administration and officials of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. "They're good poker players, but they're dying," he was quoted as saying.
