🔶 Trump’s threat against Oman; the mediator caught in the squeeze of the dispute

🔻Report by Kersten Knipp

“If Oman gets in our way, we will level it with the ground.” In the early days of this week, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Oman with such harsh words. In a phone conversation with Trey Yingst of Fox News, he added: “I don’t have a deadline. And I’m not in a hurry.” Yingst, citing the U.S. president, says Iran should raise the white flag of surrender.

With these remarks, Trump reacted to Oman’s diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement with Iran regarding the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The country has long played the role of mediator between the United States and Iran. In this role, Oman is working toward a diplomatic solution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

Shortly before this, Iranian officials had announced that they were close to reaching an agreement with Oman regarding the passage of ships. The basis for these talks was the understanding between the United States and Iran concluded on June 17. Under this understanding, Iran had to try for 60 days to enable the safe passage of commercial ships without collecting fees. However, this understanding has now effectively fallen apart.