Strait of Hormuz Negotiations Stall; Trump Warns Oman Not to Side with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to threaten today that if U.S. ally Oman sides with Iran on the issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would launch an attack on Oman. When asked if he would accept a short-term agreement allowing Iran and Oman to jointly control the vital waterway, Trump said Oman must 'follow the rules' or he would 'blow them up.' During a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump told reporters, 'No, this strait will be open to everyone.' He said, 'That is international water. Oman will follow the rules like everyone else, or we will have to blow them up. They understand that, and they will be fine.' When AFP asked Trump if he had misspoken and meant Iran instead of Oman, the White House did not immediately respond. Oman is a key U.S. ally that has attempted to mediate Middle East wars and has itself been attacked by Iran. The U.S. State Department later released a video and transcript of Trump's remarks about Oman, but did not make any corrections or clarifications. The 79-year-old Trump also appeared to confuse Iran with Venezuela earlier. He stated that the leader of the South American nation, Nicolas Maduro, had been overthrown by the U.S. military in January and 'has no navy, no air force.' Iran has stated it hopes to establish a new order in the Strait of Hormuz. About one-fifth of global oil shipments typically pass through this waterway. Iran plans to charge fees for passing vessels and share the revenue with Oman. A few days ago, Trump said an agreement was near, but negotiations to end the Middle East war and reopen the strait now appear to have stalled again.