Trump Threatens to ‘Bomb the S**t’ Out of Oman If It Interferes in Iran War

August 17, 2026 — Tensions in the Middle East have taken another dramatic turn after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Oman, saying the United States could launch military action against the Gulf country if it interferes with Washington’s efforts in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Trump made the remarks during a phone interview with Fox News reporter Trey Yingst on Monday. Asked about Oman’s involvement in discussions with Iran over shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, Trump responded: “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the s* out of them.”**

Why Is Trump Angry With Oman?

The warning comes as Oman has become increasingly involved in efforts to manage the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route located between Iran and Oman.

Iranian officials said Monday that Tehran and Muscat had reached an understanding over a proposed transit route that would allow ships to navigate the strait. The two countries were reportedly working on final details of the arrangement.

Washington, however, has been pursuing its own strategy to pressure Iran, including measures aimed at controlling shipping through the waterway.

Trump's latest comments suggest that his administration does not want an arrangement between Iran and Oman to undermine U.S. objectives in the conflict or negotiations with Tehran.

Strait of Hormuz at the Centre of the Crisis

The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the most important flashpoints in the U.S.-Iran confrontation.

The waterway is a major global energy corridor and previously carried roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. Disruptions to shipping through the strait have therefore contributed to concerns over fuel prices and global energy supplies.

The dispute has also created a difficult diplomatic situation for Oman. Muscat has traditionally maintained relationships with both Washington and Tehran and has played a role in regional diplomacy.

Trump's threat therefore places Oman in an increasingly delicate position as it attempts to engage with Iran while maintaining relations with the United States.

U.S.-Iran Peace Efforts Remain Stalled

Trump's warning also comes as a previously agreed 60-day framework for U.S.-Iran negotiations expires without a comprehensive peace agreement.

The memorandum of understanding had been intended to halt hostilities, facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and create a path toward negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. However, disagreements between Washington and Tehran have prevented the arrangement from producing a lasting settlement.

Trump has said he is in no hurry to reach a deal and has continued demanding that Iran make significant concessions.

Iran, meanwhile, has warned that the failure of diplomacy could lead to an escalation around the Strait of Hormuz.

Oman Faces Growing Pressure

For Oman, Trump's latest statement represents a significant escalation because the country is a longstanding U.S. partner while simultaneously maintaining diplomatic channels with Iran.

The threat is particularly notable because Trump had already issued a warning against Oman earlier in the year over its involvement in discussions concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

A direct U.S. military attack on Oman would represent a major escalation in the regional conflict and could potentially draw additional countries into the confrontation.

For now, however, Trump's remarks constitute a warning rather than an announcement that military action against Oman is imminent.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus will likely remain on negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz and whether Iran, Oman and the United States can reach an arrangement that allows international shipping to resume safely.

Trump's latest comments demonstrate how sensitive the issue has become. Any disagreement involving the waterway could have consequences far beyond the Middle East because of its importance to global energy markets.

With negotiations already stalled and tensions between Washington and Tehran remaining high, Oman's diplomatic role could become increasingly important — but also increasingly dangerous.

The coming days could determine whether the dispute over Hormuz moves back toward diplomacy or becomes another trigger for a wider regional confrontation.