Trump's new threat in the Gulf: "We will deal with them easily"

US President Donald Trump sharpened his tone this Monday toward Oman. In response to a reporter's question in the Oval Office regarding the threat he made earlier to strike the country if it interferes with American moves in the region, Trump said:

"I don't think they've behaved particularly well, but we will deal with them easily."

The remarks were made hours after Trump threatened military action against Oman if it "stands in the way" of American efforts around the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions between the United States and Oman are escalating. President Donald Trump was asked in the Oval Office about the harsh words he directed earlier toward the country and whether his patience was running out. The President replied briefly: "I don't think they've behaved particularly well, but we will deal with them easily."

The statement comes after Trump threatened military action earlier today against Oman if it interferes with American efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring about an end to the war with Iran. Trump's new message brings another player in the Gulf into the pressure campaign being exerted by the US administration as part of the campaign against Iran. Oman plays a significant role due to its location next to the Strait of Hormuz and the contacts it maintains with Tehran.

Behind these events are contacts between Iran and Oman regarding the regulation of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that an understanding had been reached with Oman regarding the map of transit routes in the strait and that the parties are working to finalize the details of the arrangement.

From Washington's perspective, a full opening of the strait is a central demand. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important energy routes in the world, and before the war, about a fifth of the world's traded oil supply passed through it. Trump even said in the Oval Office that the American blockade had given the United States control over the strait, adding that the idea of turning it into American territory is a "great idea."

The statement toward Oman comes on the day that the 60-day period set within the framework of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran ended without a final agreement. Trump stated he is not interested in extending the memorandum and clarified that, from his perspective, the agreement Tehran is seeking does not meet his conditions.

Oman is in a particularly sensitive position. Over the years, it has served as a mediation channel between Washington and Tehran, and now it is holding contacts with Iran regarding the future of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The American threat places it directly within the conflict over the conditions for opening the strait.