Washington (Web Desk/Agencies): US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Oman, saying Washington could take military action against the country if it obstructs efforts to reach an agreement with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump reportedly warned that Oman could face US strikes if it interfered with negotiations concerning the strategically important waterway. He also called on Iran to surrender, urging Tehran to abandon its resistance.
Iranian and Omani officials have been engaged in discussions for several weeks regarding future arrangements for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the two sides were working towards preparing a joint declaration on the issue.
Trump, however, has repeatedly asserted that the United States has control over the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran continuing to restrict shipping traffic through the vital maritime route.
On Friday, Trump went further by saying that he could potentially declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory.
Iran rejected the claim, maintaining that the strategic waterway would remain under Iranian control.
Before the current US-Israeli conflict with Iran began, the Strait of Hormuz was widely regarded as an international waterway. The narrow passage is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, through which a substantial share of global oil shipments normally travels, along with other commodities.
Iran’s effective control over the waterway has become a major source of leverage in the confrontation with Washington. Tehran has used restrictions on shipping as pressure against US-led efforts targeting its military capabilities and seeking changes to its nuclear programme.
Geographically, Iran controls the northern side of the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman is located along its southern approaches, making both countries key players in any future arrangements concerning navigation through the passage.
Trump also said Iran should raise a “white flag of surrender,” according to Yingst’s account of the interview. At the same time, the US president indicated that he was not under pressure to conclude an agreement with Tehran despite growing domestic opposition to the war in the United States ahead of the November midterm elections.