US threatens to 'blow up' Oman if it attempts to control Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump warned Oman on Wednesday (27 May) not to attempt to seize control of the Strait of Hormuz, or it could be ‘blown up’ by the US.

“Oman will behave like other countries or we will have to blow them up. They understand that. They will be fine,” the president said when asked if he would accept a short-term deal allowing Iran and Oman to control the vital shipping route.

Since 13 April, the US Navy has blockaded all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz.

Washington has stated that non-Iranian vessels are free to sail through the waterway as long as they do not pay tolls to Tehran.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have not announced the implementation of tolls but have discussed the plan.

In early May, Trump announced Project Freedom to assist ships blocked in the Strait of Hormuz and help them exit the waters.

However, one day after launching the programme, the president halted operations to see if a deal with Iran could be reached.

On Tuesday, CENTCOM denied reports that it had resumed escorting vessels sailing through the waterway.