Trump threatens Oman over Strait of Hormuz negotiations with Iran

The vital waterway has been largely closed for nearly six months during the US-Iran conflict. Fox News reported that Trump made the threat, using an expletive, during a phone interview. This comes as Iranian officials indicated they were close to finalizing a deal with Oman.

Meanwhile, the 60-day Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran is expiring, and Trump has stated he is not seeking an extension. Oman, which borders the southern side of the Strait and claims neutrality, has been negotiating with Tehran to reopen the passage after suffering strikes from Iran. Trump was quoted by Fox reporter Trey Yingst as saying, "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the shit out of them."

Trump also claimed a direct backchannel with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a claim denied by an IRGC spokesman. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed an understanding had been reached with Oman regarding a transit route map, with details to be finalized. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated a full reopening depended on compensation from the US for alleged MoU violations.

Trump, despite claiming a backchannel, indicated he was in no hurry to end the war, stating, "They're good poker players, but they're dying. I have no time schedule. I'm not in