Tel Aviv/Tehran/Washington DC:- After his threats against Iran, US President Donald Trump has now issued a warning to Oman. He said that the Strait of Hormuz is an international sea route and cannot be under the exclusive control of any one country. All ships from around the world should have the freedom to pass through it.
In fact, Iran is in talks with Oman to set up a system to collect fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump asserted, "We will watch Hormuz, but no one will control it. Iran wants to control it, but it won't happen. It's international waters.
Oman should behave like other countries; otherwise, we will blow it up." Earlier, Trump had commented that Iran had agreed to walk away from the talks, but now Tehran has no choice but to reach an agreement.
Speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said, "Iran thought they could wear me out by making me wait. They thought because I have midterm elections coming up, I would cave; but I don't care about that. Now, Iran just wants to make a deal."
Iran has claimed to have prepared an initial draft agreement to end the standoff with the United States; the draft reportedly includes proposals to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and reduce the US military presence in the region.