US Warning to Oman over Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump warned Oman on Wednesday (27 May) not to attempt to control the Strait of Hormuz, or face being ’ blown up’ by the United States. ‘Oman will behave like other countries or we have to blow them up. They understand that. They will be okay,’ the president said when asked if he would accept a short-term deal allowing Iran and Oman to control the vital shipping lane.

Washington has insisted 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 yet announced the imposition of tolls but have discussions underway.

In early May, Trump announced ‘Project Freedom’ to assist vessels blocked in the Strait of Hormuz and help them exit the waters. However, a day after the program’s launch, the president suspended operations to see if a deal with Iran could be reached.

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