Trump threatens military action against Oman over Iran negotiations

President Trump threatened to bomb Oman on August 17 if it interferes with U.S. talks with Iran. He told Fox News that if Oman "gets in the way," the U.S. would attack. This is not the first such threat. In May, Trump made similar comments about the country.

The threats relate to the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the Middle East. Iran closed the strait after U.S. and Israeli military action in February. About one-fifth of the world's oil passes through it. Oman and Iran have been discussing how to reopen the strait to shipping.

Oman is normally considered a U.S. ally. It has helped carry messages between Washington and Tehran in the past.