Kathmandu [Nepal], August 18 – US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman if the Gulf nation obstructs Washington’s efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through negotiations with Iran, Fox News has reported.
According to Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, Trump issued the warning during a phone interview saying the US would “bomb them badly” if Oman created obstacles.
The United States and Oman are separately negotiating with Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz a vital global energy route the BBC reported. The waterway has remained largely closed for about six months amid the US-Iran war disrupting a route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas consumption passes.
Iranian officials have previously said a deal with Oman was nearing completion. However, uncertainty has grown as a 60-day memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran approaches its expiration.
Asked by a BBC journalist at the Oval Office on Monday whether the memorandum would be extended Trump replied, “No.”
Oman located along the southern shore of the Strait of Hormuz has maintained that it is neutral in the US-Iran conflict. Despite facing attacks from Iran, Oman has emerged as a key intermediary in efforts to reopen the strategic waterway.
Washington is also pursuing separate efforts to restore shipping through the strait.
