Trump Threatens Oman as Iran Ceasefire Deadline Expires

President Donald Trump warned on Monday that the United States would strike Oman if the Gulf nation interferes with American efforts to secure control of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Iran must surrender and that any move by Oman to block a deal would trigger a heavy response. The comments mark the second time Trump has directed such language at the longtime American partner.

The threat comes as a 60-day window for talks with Iran expired without agreement. Oman has been discussing navigation rules through the strait with Iranian officials, who control the northern shore while Oman sits to the south. Tehran announced progress toward a joint declaration on commercial routes, but the plan requires American approval that has not materialized. Trump has insisted the waterway falls under U.S. naval dominance, claiming a blockade has reduced traffic to a fraction of pre-war levels.

Oil markets reacted quickly. Brent crude climbed above 90 dollars a barrel for the first time in weeks, reaching 91.63 dollars on Tuesday. Analysts noted that any further narrowing of diplomatic options through Hormuz adds a lasting premium to energy prices. The spike arrives as voters face higher fuel costs and Republicans prepare for midterm elections in November.

A separate incident underscored the risks. Early Tuesday, a ship suffered engine damage and a crew casualty while transiting the strait, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations center. The Omani coast guard responded, though details on the vessel and the source of the projectile remain unknown. Iran has signaled it will adopt a more offensive posture if talks fail, with one official warning that passage will stay restricted until American conditions change.

The broader conflict began in late February after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Nearly six months later, the fighting has spread to commercial shipping and drawn in regional actors. Oman has maintained a neutral stance and avoided direct involvement, yet it now faces pressure from both sides. Trump’s remarks arrive against a backdrop of stalled Pakistan-mediated efforts and repeated Iranian denials of any direct channel to American officials.

Critics of prolonged engagement point out that the United States has little to gain from deeper involvement in a conflict that disrupts global energy flows without clear victory conditions. Supporters of a hard line argue that yielding control of the strait would reward Iranian aggression. For now, the impasse leaves American drivers paying more at the pump while Washington weighs its next move.