# Trump Threatens Oman Over Iran Talks, Demands Tehran’s Surrender
**WASHINGTON:** US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if it obstructs a potential US-Iran agreement over the Strait of Hormuz, while demanding that Iran “put up the white flag of surrender.”
Trump made the remarks in an interview with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, referring to ongoing talks between Oman and Iran over future arrangements for maritime navigation through the strategic waterway.
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the s*** out of them,” Trump was quoted as saying.
Iranian and Omani officials have been holding discussions for weeks on the future of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Monday that the two sides were working on a joint declaration.
Trump, however, has repeatedly claimed that the strategically vital strait is effectively under US control, despite continued restrictions on maritime traffic.
Last week, Trump also said he could declare the **Strait of Hormuz US territory**, prompting Iran to reject the claim and insist that the waterway would remain under Iranian control.
Before the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was regarded as an open international waterway and served as a critical route for global energy shipments and other commodities. A significant share of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the narrow maritime corridor.
Iran has used its effective control over the strait as leverage amid US-led efforts to weaken its military capabilities and pressure Tehran over its nuclear programme.
Iran borders the northern side of the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman controls territory along its southern side, giving the country a strategically important position in regional maritime traffic.
Trump also said Iran should surrender, according to Yingst’s account of the interview.
Despite the political pressure surrounding the conflict and its unpopularity among some US voters ahead of the November midterm elections, Trump said he was in no hurry to reach an agreement with Tehran.
He also claimed that his administration maintains a direct back-channel with officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), describing Iranian officials as “good poker players” while warning that they were under severe pressure.
By AFP
