A scandal has erupted in the corridors of the White House that could redraw the geopolitical map of the Middle East. Donald Trump, holding nothing back, issued a harsh ultimatum to Oman—one of the US’s key allies in the region. The trigger was rumors of a secret collusion between Muscat and Tehran to control the Strait of Hormuz.
The Threat in the Cabinet Room
The situation escalated during an informal cabinet meeting. Upon learning of attempts by Oman and Iran to establish joint control over the strategic waterway, the US President demanded an immediate abandonment of any plans to charge fees for ship passage. For Washington, this is a matter of principle: the strait must remain open to all without exception.
"No one will control this route. We will watch, but we will not manage it," Trump declared. However, the tone of the conversation quickly shifted from diplomatic to ultimatum. "Oman will behave like everyone else. Otherwise, we will simply blow them up. They understand that," the head of state added, not ruling out a military strike scenario.
Internal Pressure and the 'Hawks'
Trump's aggressive rhetoric is not accidental. Within the Republican Party, dissatisfaction is growing over potential negotiations with Iran. Conservative "hawks," who have supported military pressure from the start, view any steps toward a ceasefire as a defeat. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has already called a possible ceasefire a "catastrophe" that could wipe out all military gains.
Escalation Amidst Negotiations
Parallel to diplomatic maneuvers, the Pentagon continues active operations. In recent days, two strikes were launched against Iranian targets: first against speedboats and air defense systems in the south of the country, then against a "military object" threatening shipping. Meanwhile, Washington and Tehran are conducting secret ceasefire negotiations, under which the Strait of Hormuz could be fully opened just a month after the agreement is signed.
Thus, the world is balancing on the edge: on one side, the threat of a military strike against an ally; on the other, an attempt at a diplomatic breakthrough. And as long as Trump keeps his finger on the trigger, the entire region holds its breath in anticipation.