'Better stay out or face consequences'; US President Donald Trump's bomb threat to Oman

WASHINGTON: As Iran continues to defy US pressure, US President Donald Trump turned his attention to Oman. Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it obstructs the US-Iran deal to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump was incensed over Iran and Oman holding parallel bilateral talks to open Hormuz. On June 18, the US and Iran signed an interim peace deal to end the war. The agreement was to implement a 60-day ceasefire and reach a final agreement within that period. The 60-day deadline expired on Monday.

Meanwhile, the deal effectively collapsed after the ceasefire was violated and clashes broke out last month. Efforts to restore it have also failed. Therefore, the expiration of the deadline is of little relevance. In May, Trump threatened to bomb Oman if found joining hands with Iran on Hormuz.

1. Iran says it has reached an agreement in principle with Oman to open the Strait of Hormuz. If signed, Iran and Oman will share control of Hormuz. Iran's goal is to make US interventions in the name of Hormuz irrelevant

2. There is a US naval blockade on Hormuz. Ships are not allowed to go to or from Iranian ports. Trump claims that they have complete control over Hormuz. The US will consider Oman’s move as challenging them if they sign a deal with Iran.

Iran meanwhile offered a $30,000 (Rs. 28,68,237) bounty for killing or capturing US soldiers alive, up to $60,000 (Rs. 57,36,243) if women carry out the killing.