In an extraordinary escalation of Gulf tensions, US President Donald Trump has issued a direct, blunt military threat to America’s long-term ally, Oman. Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Trump warned that the United States would not tolerate any nation attempting to seize control of the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

The warning marks a dramatic expansion of the conflict that began on February 28, 2026, when US and Israeli forces launched military strikes against Iran, leading Tehran to blockade the waterway.

What Did Trump Say?

During the roundtable cabinet meeting, a reporter asked President Trump if his administration would accept a short-term framework allowing Iran and Oman to jointly manage traffic and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump rejected the idea completely, asserting that the passage consists of international waters and must remain open to global trade.

"Nobody is going to control it," Trump declared. "It's international waters, and Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we will have to blow them up. They understand that, they'll be fine."

While commentators initially questioned if Trump had accidentally mixed up the names of Iran and Oman, the US State Department subsequently verified the quote by publishing the exact transcript explicitly naming the Gulf nation. Trump also dismissed claims that he is constrained by the political calendar, indicating that resolving the maritime gridlock takes absolute precedence over domestic political concerns or upcoming elections.

The Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most vital energy chokepoint, geographically bounded by Iran to the north and Oman to the south.

• Global Oil Volume: Under normal conditions, more than 20% of the world’s petroleum liquids transit through this narrow waterway daily.

• Economic Fallout: The ongoing blockade since late February has triggered a severe global energy crisis, sending fuel and commodity prices soaring worldwide.

• The Toll Proposal: Reports emerged via Iranian state media detailing a proposed draft agreement where Iran and Oman would jointly oversee shipping and charge transiting vessels a toll. The White House heavily rejected these claims, labeling the leaked draft a "complete fabrication."

Oman's Position: A Shock to a Neutral Mediator

Trump's aggressive rhetoric has shocked diplomatic circles due to Oman's historic role in the region. For over two centuries, the United States and Oman have shared robust security partnerships, a free trade agreement, and deep economic ties.

Furthermore, Muscat has traditionally maintained strict geopolitical neutrality. Throughout the current US-Israel-Iran war, Oman has acted as the primary backchannel mediator attempting to broker a ceasefire. Observers note that Oman has never officially expressed a desire to enforce a joint blockade or maritime monopoly with Tehran, making Trump's "gunboat diplomacy" warning highly controversial.

Current Status of Peace Negotiations

The threat underscores growing frustration within the White House as diplomatic efforts to reopen the shipping lanes stall. Trump accused Iranian leadership of intentionally drawing out negotiations to "outwait" his administration until the US midterm elections in November.

Concurrently, Trump is facing pressure from domestic political factions. Republican congressional hawks have openly rebuked early drafts of a rumored 60-day ceasefire, calling it a strategic failure. Trump added that any final agreement is contingent upon broader regional changes, demanding that more Arab nations formally sign the Abraham Accords and normalize ties with Israel before a US blockade on Iranian ports is lifted.