Strait of Hormuz Conflict Reignites
US crude oil prices rose nearly 2% to US$90.38 per barrel in early Asian trading on Thursday following reports of mutual attacks between the two nations in the Strait of Hormuz. The price had previously fallen by 5%.
Trump Threatens to Attack Oman
US President Donald Trump threatened to use military force against Oman if it collaborated with Iran to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. He demanded Oman behave like other nations or face being blown up.
According to Al Jazeera on Thursday (28 May 2026), Trump made the remarks during a Wednesday cabinet meeting when answering a reporter’s question. A reporter initially asked Trump for his views on the notion of Oman and Iran overseeing trade in the strategic waterway, which handles over 20% of global oil traffic.
“Would you accept a short-term deal allowing Iran and Oman to control the strait?” the reporter asked.
In response, Trump delivered what appeared to be a rash threat, warning that no one would control the strait and threatening Oman.
“No one will control it. It’s international waters, and Oman will behave like other nations, or we’ll have to blow them up,” Trump said.
Although there was initial speculation that Trump may have misspoken and said ‘Oman’ instead of ‘Iran’, the US State Department later shared the comments on social media with a transcript referencing the Arab nation.
Iran Calls for Solidarity with Oman
In response, Iran expressed solidarity with Oman.
According to Al Jazeera on Thursday (28 May 2026), Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei commented on Trump’s threats, expressing solidarity with Oman following ‘threats from US officials’.
The statement came after Trump threatened to ‘blow up’ Oman if it did not ‘behave like other nations’ regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Baghaei also condemned recent US strikes on Iran’s Bandar Abbas region.
Oman, known for its neutrality, has not indicated a desire to join Iran in controlling the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Oman are close allies with a relationship spanning over 200 years.
The two countries have several cooperation agreements, including security partnerships, free trade agreements, and science and technology deals.