US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 issued a stark warning to Oman, saying the Gulf nation must 'behave just like everybody else or we'll have to blow 'em up,' as delicate negotiations between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz enter a critical phase. The remarks, made during a cabinet meeting at the White House, signal Washington's firm stance on control of the strategic waterway even as back-channel diplomacy continues.

Trump's Position on the Strait of Hormuz

Responding to reporters' questions about whether he would accept a short-term arrangement allowing Iran and Oman to jointly manage the Strait of Hormuz, Trump was unequivocal. 'No, the strait's going to be open to everybody,' he said. 'It's international waters. Nobody's going to control it. We're going to watch over it. We'll watch over it, but nobody's going to control it. That's part of the negotiation that we have.'

The warning to Oman followed those remarks directly, with Trump adding: 'Oman will behave just like everybody else or we'll have to blow 'em up.' The statement drew immediate attention given Oman's role as a quiet but active intermediary in the ongoing US-Iran diplomatic process.

What Triggered the Remarks

Trump's comments came in response to a report by Iranian state television, which claimed to have obtained an unofficial draft of a US-Iran agreement. According to that report, the proposed framework would restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month, with Iran and Oman jointly managing maritime traffic. The draft reportedly also called for the United States to lift its blockade of Iranian ports and withdraw military forces from Iran's vicinity.

The US side swiftly dismissed the Iranian report as 'a complete fabrication,' underscoring the deep mistrust that continues to shadow the negotiations.

Oman's Diplomatic Role

Despite Trump's warning, Oman has remained an active diplomatic channel between the two sides. On 24 May 2025, Omani officials led by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with an Iranian delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. The discussions centred on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional developments.

According to a statement by Oman's Foreign Ministry, both sides examined the principles governing freedom of navigation in line with international law, and discussed measures to strengthen maritime safety, trade flows, and supply chains.

Iran's Message Through Oman

During the 24 May meeting, Al Busaidi received a verbal message from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi regarding the ongoing US-Iran talks. The message, according to the Omani Foreign Ministry statement, underlined both countries' commitment to restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in a 'safe and sustainable manner.'

This is notably the third round of indirect US-Iran engagement in recent weeks, with Oman serving as the primary conduit — a role it has played in past negotiations as well, including during the 2013-2015 nuclear talks.

What Happens Next

The contradictions between Washington's public posture and the reported draft framework suggest the talks remain far from a formal agreement. With Trump publicly rejecting any joint control arrangement and the US dismissing Iran's characterisation of the draft, the path to a durable deal appears narrow. The Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of global oil supply passes — remains the central flashpoint, and any escalation in rhetoric risks unsettling global energy markets.