From ‘Indispensable’ Ally to Target of Annihilation
The latest target of Trump’s ire is the low-profile Sultanate of Oman.
TL;DR
- Oman previously acted as a vital intermediary for the U.S. in talks with Iran, contributing to the 2015 nuclear deal.
- President Trump has threatened Oman, accusing it of undermining U.S. efforts and demanding it not charge fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Oman's foreign policy emphasizes neutrality and maintaining relationships with diverse regional actors, including Iran, which has often put it at odds with U.S. allies.
- The U.S. has historically relied on Oman for military access and as a stable partner, but Trump's actions have strained this relationship.
- Oman insists its potential maritime fees are lawful and necessary for commercial shipping, while the U.S. views any arrangement that could benefit Iran as unacceptable.
- Oman's ability to communicate with all sides, a quality that made it indispensable to previous U.S. administrations, is now a source of crisis under Trump.