Trump threatens to attack Oman

US President Donald Trump has threatened to launch a massive attack on Oman if it stands in the way of a deal with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, he also called on Iran to surrender.

In an interview with Fox News journalist Trey Engstok on Monday (August 17), local time, Trump said, "If Oman stands in the way, we will launch a massive attack on them."

He made these comments in the context of ongoing talks between Oman and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the United States is also holding separate talks with Iran.

Iranian and Omani officials have been discussing future rules for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz for several weeks. Tehran's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the two countries are working on a joint declaration.

However, Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States should control the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively taken control of the strait since the start of the war in the Middle East on February 28, and shipping has been severely reduced.

On Friday, Trump also claimed that he could declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory if he wanted. Iran responded by saying that the crucial waterway they have blocked “will remain Iran’s.”

Iran is using control of the Strait of Hormuz as a key tool in countering US-led pressure. Through this, Tehran is putting pressure on US efforts to destroy its military capabilities and stop its nuclear program. The Iranian coast is to the north and Oman is to the south.

Meanwhile, Engst also mentioned in his ex-post that Trump has called on Iran to “wave the white flag and surrender.”

However, despite growing dissatisfaction among the US public over the war, Trump said that he is in no hurry to reach a quick agreement. The war has also become politically important ahead of the US midterm elections in November. Opposition Democrats are trying to wrest control of Congress from Trump's Republicans in the election.

Source: The Dawn