Trump Threatens Oman Over 21-Mile Hormuz Fees as Iran Talks Collapse
Updated
Updated · The Atlantic · Aug 21
Trump Threatens Oman Over 21-Mile Hormuz Fees as Iran Talks Collapse
3 articles · Updated · The Atlantic · Aug 21
Summary
Trump threatened Oman with military action and possible sanctions, accusing Muscat of undermining U.S. efforts to reach an Iran deal and backing fees for ships using the Strait of Hormuz.
The dispute centers on the 21-mile-wide chokepoint, where Oman and Iran have discussed passage charges while commercial traffic remains far below prewar levels despite Trump's claims the route has been reopened.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has separately warned Oman over any fee arrangement, and U.S. officials say the administration views Oman's mediation as "dishonorable" after interim U.S.-Iran talks missed their deadline this week.
The rupture is striking because Oman helped enable the secret contacts that led to the 2015 nuclear pact and has long given Washington military access while maintaining ties with Iran, the Houthis and other regional rivals.
Analysts say that role is now in jeopardy: Oman's value to Washington has been its neutrality, but Trump's demands could shut one of the few remaining channels to Tehran.