【What logic is behind Trump threatening to bomb Oman?】 Reporter: You once said that if access to the Strait of Hormuz were blocked, you would reduce Oman to rubble. Have you lost patience with this strategic partner, Oman?
Trump: I don't think their performance has been good, but we've handled them very easily—just like we’ve dealt with other issues.
This is Trump’s latest remarks regarding Oman.
Did he “handle them very easily,” just as he did with Iran?
In fact, Trump has long harbored resentment toward Oman, a neighboring country across the Strait of Hormuz from Iran.
Months ago, he already threatened sanctions and bombing against Oman for discussing Strait-related matters with Iran.
And this time, even though Oman held talks with Iran with U.S. knowledge and approval, he still threatened to bomb Oman.
When Khamenei was bombed, Oman’s foreign minister—acting as intermediary—publicly revealed the progress of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. The Economist later published an article exposing how the U.S. used negotiation as bait to launch a surprise attack on Iran. Trump has remained deeply bitter toward Oman ever since.
Now, he finally issued a direct threat: If Oman “blocks the way,” the U.S. will bomb Oman in order to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war with Iran.
At the moment he made this threat, Oman had already reached an agreement with Iran on future shipping routes through the Strait.
Oman is a key piece—and a pivotal player—in the U.S.-Iran geopolitical game.
Oman is clearly aware: the U.S. is pulling back from the Middle East, while Iran is an inescapable neighbor. Therefore, Oman hasn’t fully aligned itself with the U.S., which is why it’s now being threatened.
With the Persians’ firm resolve, they will protect Oman as fiercely as they defend their own territory—reasons are crystal clear:
If Oman were to tamper with navigation in the Strait by secretly providing hidden passage for oil tankers without Iran’s knowledge, Iran’s blockade would be rendered futile, and the war would become pointless.
Only by bringing Oman onto Iran’s side—or at least keeping it neutral—can Iran successfully block the Strait and effectively counter Trump.
The day Trump bombs Oman, Iran truly wins.
Iran and Oman united in controlling the Strait of Hormuz—there would be no more doubt about it.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873809527635968/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.