Why Is Trump Angry With Oman? Inside the Secret Iran-Oman Deal Over Strait of Hormuz

Washington: Tension between America and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz is continuously increasing. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has also taken a tough stance towards Oman, which is playing the role of mediator in talks with Iran. Trump has warned that if Oman comes in the way of American efforts to reopen Hormuz, then America could take military action against it.

Talks have been going on between Oman and Iran for the last few weeks regarding the safe movement of ships through Hormuz. Both countries are moving towards finalising a joint statement. In such a situation, Trump's threat has made this entire incident more complicated.

Why is Trump angry with Oman?

The main reason for Trump's displeasure is the ongoing talks between Oman and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. America wants the movement of commercial ships through this strategic waterway to become normal again. At the same time, Iran has made it clear that America will have to fulfil certain conditions before completely opening Hormuz.

Oman is trying to maintain a path of dialogue between the two parties in this matter. Trump is said to be angry with this role. He has said that if Oman hinders American efforts, it may have to face consequences.

Did Trump directly threaten to bomb Oman?

According to reports, Trump, during a conversation with Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, said that if Oman comes in the way, America will bomb it. This statement has come at a time when the future of talks between America and Iran is already uncertain.

Oman is a US ally and has long been a mediator between Washington and Tehran. Therefore, such a warning from Trump against Oman is being considered a serious development for regional diplomacy.

Have talks between America and Iran stopped?

At present the situation is not clear. Trump said on August 18 that neither any talks are going on nor any talks are scheduled with Iran. On the other hand, statements by some people associated with the US administration and regional sources indicate that diplomatic contacts have not ended completely.

An interim agreement was reached between the two countries in June, the purpose of which was to open the way for further comprehensive talks. But even after the expiry of the 60-day deadline, no major agreement could be reached.

Why is Iran holding back from opening Hormuz?

Iran says that unless America fulfils the conditions set in the interim agreement, there is no question of completely opening the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian side is talking about conditions like lifting the US port blockade, relief in oil sanctions, release of frozen Iranian funds and stopping military action.

This issue remains the biggest obstacle in the talks between America and Iran.

Why is the Oman-Iran deal important?

Oman is trying to find a way with Iran so that safe movement of commercial ships can start in the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is extremely important for the world because a large amount of oil and gas is supplied by sea from here.

Due to tension between America and Iran, the movement of ships on this route has reduced significantly. This has also increased concern in the international oil market and crude oil prices have reached a three-week high.

What will happen next now?

At present the biggest question is whether the ongoing talks between Oman and Iran reach any agreement or not. If a solution is found then the hope of normalising the movement of ships in Hormuz may increase. But Trump's latest warning and the impasse on talks between America and Iran have further complicated the situation.

The eyes of the world are now fixed on Hormuz, because the impact of increasing tension here will not be limited to the Middle East only. Oil supply, fuel prices and global markets may also be affected by this.