❗️US reportedly pressuring ‘neutral’ Oman to sever relations with Iran

The US has grown increasingly dissatisfied with Oman’s neutral position in the US-Israeli war on Iran and is now urging Muscat to align itself with one side, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

According to US and Arab officials cited by the WSJ, the Trump administration is pressuring Oman to distance itself from Tehran and sever diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic.

Tensions escalated after a new intelligence assessment suggested that Iran had explored a joint arrangement with Oman to impose fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, US President Donald Trump threatened sanctions and military action against Oman, warning the Gulf nation not to enter into any agreement with Iran concerning control of the Strait of Hormuz.

“Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that. They’ll be fine," Trump said.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also cautioned that Oman could face sanctions if it moved forward with plans to charge ships transiting the strait.

Speaking to reporters the following day, Bessent said he had spoken with Oman’s ambassador to Washington, Talal Alrahbi, who assured him that the Sultanate had “no plans for tolling."

Responding to reports that the US was pressuring Oman to cut ties with Iran, Omani Information Minister Abdulla al-Harrasi said, “Oman stands ready to work with the United States and all responsible partners to promote stability, deter disruption, and safeguard our shared strategic interests."

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