Escalating Gulf Tensions: US Signals Force if Oman Moves on Hormuz
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- President Donald Trump warned Oman of possible military action if it attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions involving Iran and US naval operations.
- The US has imposed a naval blockade near Iranian ports while allowing non-Iranian vessels to pass, as diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.
- The US initiative “Project Freedom” to assist stranded ships in the Strait of Hormuz was halted shortly after launch, highlighting ongoing uncertainty over resolving the crisis.
Jakarta – United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday (May 27) issued a stark warning to Oman, saying the Gulf nation could face severe military consequences if it attempts to assert control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
“Oman will behave like other countries, or we will have to blow them up. They understand that. They will be fine,” Trump said when asked whether he would accept a short-term agreement allowing Iran and Oman to jointly control the vital shipping lane.
Since April 13, the US Navy has begun blocking all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on both sides of the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington has maintained that non-Iranian vessels are free to pass through the waterway, provided they do not pay any form of transit fees to Tehran.
Iranian authorities, for their part, have not formally imposed such fees, but discussions about the policy have reportedly taken place.
Earlier in May, Trump announced “Project Freedom,” an initiative aimed at assisting ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and facilitating their safe passage out of the contested waters.
However, just one day after launching the program, the president halted the operation to assess the prospects of reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran.
On Tuesday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) denied reports suggesting that it had resumed escort operations for vessels navigating the strategic waterway.
Indonesianpost.com | Antara
