Washington, May 28: President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Oman, urging it not to interfere in the delicate negotiations with Iran. Trump emphasized that the United States will keep a close watch on the Strait of Hormuz.
During a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday, reporters asked Trump if he would accept a temporary agreement allowing Iran and Oman to jointly control this vital maritime route. Trump firmly responded, “No, this waterway will remain open for everyone.”
He clarified that it is international waters and that no one will have control over it. “We will monitor it, but it will not be controlled by anyone. This is part of our discussions,” he added.
Trump warned that Oman must behave like other nations, or the U.S. would have to take action. His comments followed a report from Iranian state television claiming it had obtained an informal draft of an Iran-U.S. agreement.
According to this draft, commercial shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz would be restored within a month, with Iran and Oman jointly managing operations. The proposal also suggested that the U.S. would lift sanctions on Iranian ports and reduce its military presence around Iran.
However, U.S. officials have categorically denied this report. Meanwhile, Oman continues to engage with Iranian officials, maintaining discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 24, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi led a delegation that met with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. Both sides discussed the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the current regional situation.
According to a statement from Oman’s Foreign Ministry, the two countries addressed principles related to the freedom of navigation in this crucial maritime route under international law.
The statement noted that in light of recent events, both parties also discussed ways to enhance maritime security, trade, and supply chains. During the meeting, al-Busaidi received an oral message from Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, related to the Iran-U.S. negotiations.
This message reiterated that both nations are committed to restoring safe and sustainable shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
–
Leave a Comment