Al-Monitor: We are perplexed by Trump’s stance, say Omani officials
Al-Monitor reported that current and former Omani officials have expressed surprise at Donald Trump’s recent threats against their country, stating that Washington was aware of Muscat’s negotiations with Tehran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
A source in Muscat familiar with the views of Omani officials said, ‘We are perplexed that Trump is trying to find a scapegoat for a failed war. Honestly, we do not take this matter seriously.’
This reaction came after Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it stood in the way of America. According to Al-Monitor, it seems Washington’s dissatisfaction is related to Oman and Iran’s negotiations about shipping arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.
Some American officials are concerned that a potential agreement between Tehran and Muscat could lead to charging passing ships and solidifying Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. However, Oman has denied any plans to establish a joint toll collection system with Iran.
Al-Monitor wrote that Trump’s threats are unlikely to cause a fundamental rift in the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and Oman, but they have presented one of the most serious tests for Muscat’s traditional policy of maintaining balance between Washington and Tehran.
