Trump chillingly threatens to ‘blow up’ another country ‘if they don’t behave’ | World | News
Donald Trump has threatened to “blow up” Oman if they “don’t act” in a move that risks dramatically increasing tensions in the Middle East. The US President made the comment when asked at the White House about reports that Iran and Oman had reached an agreement to jointly control the Strait of Hormuz.
But Mr. Trump has warned that he would not agree to such an arrangement as part of a peace deal with Iran. He told reporters after the cabinet meeting: “No, the Strait will be open to everyone. This is international waters. Nobody will control it. We will protect it – we will protect it – but nobody will be able to take control of it as part of any negotiations. They want to control it. Nobody has any control.”
“These are international waters. And Oman will act like everyone else. Otherwise we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that. It’ll be fine.”
The remarks come amid ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire and broader agreement after months of escalating military conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Discussions so far have focused on Iran’s nuclear stockpile, sanctions relief and security guarantees, while mediators are trying to prevent a broader regional war.
But reports of a possible breakthrough have been thrown into doubt after the US dismissed claims about the draft deal as “complete fabrication”.
Iranian state television had claimed a framework agreement under which Iran would restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting the blockade and withdrawing its forces.
At the same Cabinet meeting, Mr. Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran, suggesting military action could continue if talks on Iran’s nuclear program collapse.
He said: “Iran wants to make a deal very much. So far they haven’t gotten there. We are not happy about it, but we will be. Either that, or we will have to finish the job.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the White House still prefers diplomacy but warned that military options would be available if talks fail.
Rubio said: “The bottom line is that we prefer the diplomatic route through negotiation, and we will give it every chance to succeed.”
He added: “Iran and those responsible for Iran can never have nuclear weapons.”
Mr Trump later claimed that Iran had been severely weakened during the conflict, saying: “The Navy is gone… The Air Force is gone. Everything is gone and they are negotiating on fumes.”
He also claimed that Iran’s economy was in “free fall”, adding: “Their money has no value and their entire economic system has collapsed.”
