Trump Threatens Oman Amid US-Iran Strait of Hormuz Standoff

The United States and Iran are locked in a naval stalemate over control of the Strait of Hormuz following a conflict that began in February 2026. Donald Trump has implemented a naval blockade of Iranian ports and authorized strikes against Iranian targets, while Iran has restricted maritime passage and established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) to mandate permits and collect tolls. Trump has rejected Iranian draft peace deals and threatened to "blow up" Oman if the country facilitates Iranian tolling systems in the international waterway.

Military tensions peaked between May 27 and 28, 2026, when U.S. forces struck a drone ground control station in Bandar Abbas and shot down four Iranian drones. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by targeting a U.S. airbase and forcing a U.S. oil tanker to reverse course. Additionally, Kuwait intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones during the skirmishes.

To increase leverage, the U.S. Treasury launched "Economic Fury," sanctioning the PGSA and various oil-trading networks to disrupt IRGC funding. Meanwhile, Iran remains steadfast on "red lines" regarding its nuclear industry and sovereignty over the strait. Despite the violence, indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan have produced a tentative 60-day ceasefire extension and a draft memorandum of understanding to restore shipping, though the agreement awaits President Trump's final approval.