By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if the Gulf nation obstructs Washington’s efforts to secure a deal with Iran over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions in the region.
In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Trump warned that the United States would “bomb” Oman if it got in the way of American objectives. His remarks came as Iran and Oman moved closer to an understanding on arrangements for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian and Omani officials have been negotiating a mechanism to facilitate shipping through the strategically vital waterway. Tehran has said the two countries have agreed on coordinates for a transit route, with details of a joint announcement being finalised.
The development has put Oman, traditionally an important diplomatic intermediary between Iran and the West, in an increasingly difficult position. Washington wants the Strait reopened under arrangements acceptable to the US, while Tehran and Muscat have been pursuing their own framework for maritime navigation.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas shipments. Any prolonged disruption could further push up energy prices and intensify economic pressures worldwide.
Trump’s warning also comes as a 60-day US-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing negotiations has expired without a broader agreement. Trump has insisted that Iran surrender and said preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains his principal objective.
The threat against Oman, a longstanding US partner, marks a dramatic escalation in Washington’s rhetoric and could further complicate diplomatic efforts to restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.