Donald Trump
Picnews
US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if the country obstructs a potential agreement between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, while also calling on Iran to surrender.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, warning that the United States would take drastic action if Oman interferes with ongoing discussions over control and navigation arrangements for the strategic waterway.
Iranian and Omani officials have been holding talks for weeks on future maritime navigation plans through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that both countries were working on a joint declaration concerning the issue.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of tensions between Iran and the United States due to its importance as a major global energy route. Tehran has used its control over the waterway as leverage against US-led efforts targeting its military strength and nuclear programme.
Trump had earlier claimed that the United States could declare the strait part of its territory, a position rejected by Iran, which insisted that the crucial waterway would remain under Iranian control.
Before the recent escalation of tensions, the Strait of Hormuz was considered an open international shipping route, carrying significant volumes of global oil supplies and other commodities.
Trump also urged Iran to surrender, according to Yingst’s report on their interview. He maintained that he was not in a hurry to reach an agreement despite concerns over the impact of the conflict and growing political pressure ahead of the US midterm elections.
The US president further claimed that his administration had a direct back-channel communication channel with officials of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, describing them as experienced negotiators but saying they were under intense pressure.
AFP
