President Donald Trump warned Thursday that the U.S. would bomb Oman if the nation attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The escalation threatens the stability of one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. Any direct military engagement between the U.S. and regional powers could disrupt global energy markets and ignite a wider conflict in the Middle East.
The warnings come as U.S. and Iranian forces exchange attacks in the strait. A U.S. military spokesperson said Iran launched missiles, drones, and small vessels against ships protected by the U.S. [2]. In response, Trump said the U.S. will "wipe Iran off the face of the earth" [2].
Trump also directed threats toward Oman, a country bordering the strategic waterway. He said, "O tendremos que volarlos por los aires," which translates to "We will have to blow them sky-high" [1]. Reports differ on the exact trigger for this threat; some sources said the warning applies if Oman attempts to control the strait [1], while others said it applies if Oman allies with Iran [3].
This volatility follows a brief period of relative calm. The current exchange of attacks occurs 29 days after a cease-fire was established between the United States and Iran [4].
To address the regional instability, Trump announced a new initiative called "Project Freedom" [5]. The U.S. said its primary objective is to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for international navigation [2].
“"We will wipe Iran off the face of the earth"”
The shift in rhetoric toward Oman represents a significant escalation, as Oman has traditionally acted as a diplomatic mediator between Tehran and Washington. By threatening both Iran and a neighboring neutral party, the U.S. is signaling a zero-tolerance policy regarding the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, prioritizing military deterrence over diplomatic caution.
