US President Donald Trump has said the United States could launch air strikes on Oman if the country follows through on plans to co-manage the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategic oil shipping routes, with Iran.
During a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said that "Oman is going to behave like everyone else, or we're going to have to hit them," without providing further details.
His statements have prompted a strong reaction from Tehran. Iran's Foreign Ministry described them as "dangerous" and "threatening," stressing that they constitute a violation of basic principles of international law.
Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that the threats against Oman constitute "normalization of intimidation in international relations," while praising Muscat's mediating role in regional stability.
According to reports, Trump's statements are related to talks between Iran and Oman about imposing tariffs on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key hub for global energy trade.
Trump, meanwhile, stressed that the strait "will remain open to all," adding that the US will provide its surveillance.
Oman, which has played a mediating role in the region for decades and maintains close relations with the US, has not yet officially reacted to the statements.
