The United States has issued a strong warning over the Strait of Hormuz, cautioning its ally Oman against any attempt to collect tolls or transit charges from ships in coordination with Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would not tolerate such actions and warned that Oman could face severe economic sanctions if it moved forward with any such plan. The statement comes amid rising tensions in the strategically crucial waterway, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments pass.
Following the American warning, Oman reportedly moved quickly to ease concerns. According to Bessent, he held a phone conversation with the Omani ambassador, during which Oman clarified that it has no plans to impose tolls at the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf nation also expressed its intention to preserve the decades-long friendly relationship with the United States, signaling an effort to avoid any diplomatic escalation over the issue.
The US administration maintains that sustained military pressure and harsh economic sanctions have forced Iran back to the negotiating table. Bessent stated that the final decision regarding Iran’s nuclear program now rests entirely with US President Donald Trump. Washington believes the ongoing pressure campaign has significantly weakened Tehran’s position and increased the possibility of a broader diplomatic settlement.
However, President Trump has reportedly laid down strict conditions for any potential agreement with Iran. The United States is demanding that Iran completely hand over its uranium stockpiles and permanently abandon ambitions of developing nuclear weapons. Washington has also insisted that international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must remain uninterrupted under all circumstances. US officials say a peace agreement remains possible if Iran accepts these terms, though the proposed deal is still awaiting Trump’s final approval and signature.