WASHINGTON — Former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened possible action against Oman amid escalating tensions over shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz, according to statements released Thursday by his campaign and comments reported by U.S. media.
Trump, speaking during a campaign-related appearance on Wednesday, accused Oman of failing to do enough to prevent regional instability linked to Iran and warned that countries facilitating Iranian trade or naval activity could face “serious consequences.” Details of any specific measures under consideration remained unclear.
“We will not allow anyone to play both sides while American interests and global shipping are threatened,” Trump said, according to remarks carried by several U.S. broadcasters. He did not provide evidence for the allegations or outline a formal policy proposal.
Oman’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond publicly to the remarks. Omani officials have historically maintained that the Gulf state acts as a neutral mediator in regional disputes and supports freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping lanes.
The comments came as tensions involving Iran and maritime security in the Gulf region intensified following recent incidents involving commercial vessels near the strait. U.S. defense officials said earlier this week that additional naval assets had been repositioned in the region as a precaution, while Iranian state media reported military exercises near strategic waterways.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, handles a significant share of global seaborne oil exports. Previous confrontations in the area have raised concerns among energy markets and international shipping companies.
A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry criticized Trump’s remarks on Thursday, calling them “provocative and irresponsible,” according to Iranian state media. The spokesperson said regional security should be addressed through diplomacy and cooperation among Gulf states.
The White House declined to comment directly on Trump’s statements. U.S. State Department officials reiterated Washington’s longstanding position supporting secure international shipping routes and regional stability but did not indicate any imminent policy changes involving Oman.
Analysts and diplomats have frequently described Oman as an important intermediary between Washington and Tehran, particularly during periods of heightened regional tension. Muscat has hosted indirect talks and facilitated prisoner exchanges in previous years.
Shipping industry groups said they were monitoring developments closely. Some maritime security firms reported heightened caution among commercial operators transiting the Gulf, though no broad disruptions to shipping traffic were immediately confirmed.
As of Thursday evening, no new sanctions or military measures involving Oman had been announced by U.S. authorities, and officials from both Oman and Iran continued to call for diplomatic engagement.
