Trump threatens escalation involving Oman over Iran oil deal
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump has threatened Oman with a military strike over its attempts to establish control over the Strait of Hormuz together with Iran. The American leader is demanding that his ally abandon plans to collect fees for the passage of ships, according to The Guardian.
The White House chief made the threat during an informal conversation at a Cabinet meeting. He was outraged by reports of secret negotiations between Oman and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump is demanding full freedom of navigation.
"The strait is going to be open to everybody," Trump said. "Nobody’s going to control it. We’re going to watch over it. We’ll watch over it. But nobody’s going to control it. That’s part of the negotiation that we have."
Trump directly stated the possibility of a large-scale attack on Oman.
"Oman will behave just like everybody else. Or else we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that. They’ll be fine," the US president added.
Conflict in Washington: Republicans against the ceasefire
The article notes that due to unsuccessful negotiations with Iran, Republican "hawks" are dissatisfied. They have supported the war against Iran from the very beginning, and Operation Epic Fury is a matter of principle for them. A possible 60-day ceasefire is seen as a defeat.
Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called a potential ceasefire a catastrophe. He believes it would nullify all the gains made by the military.
Latest news on the situation between the US and Iran
The Pentagon has struck Iranian targets twice this week. The first attack occurred on May 26, targeting boats and air defense systems in the south of the country. The second strike took place today. A military facility that threatened shipping was attacked.
At the same time, Washington and Tehran are holding negotiations to resolve the conflict. According to one plan under discussion, the Strait of Hormuz could be fully opened to shipping about one month after a ceasefire agreement is signed.
