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Trump Threatens to Bomb Oman Over Iran Deal, Reportedly

Published 19 August 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman on Monday over a deal the country is finalizing with Iran to manage ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. Two regional officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed the threat on Tuesday, a day after it was reportedly made. The officials stated the Trump administration opposes key parts of the yet-to-be-announced agreement, particularly provisions for joint Iranian-Omani management of the strait's exit route and Omani plans to collect voluntary vessel fees related to security and environmental protection.

The threat coincides with heightened tensions in the region. On Tuesday, a projectile struck a ship sailing through the strait off the coast of Oman, according to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations center. The incident damaged the vessel's engine room and resulted in at least one casualty, with the Omani Coast Guard assisting the crew. Separately, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Saudi Arabia, an incident with no immediate reports of damage.

Iranian officials have reinforced their position that the...

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