President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Oman, threatening military action if the country interferes with U.S. activities related to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. In a Monday interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “if Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb,” highlighting one of the direct military threats against this long-term U.S. ally in the Middle East.
Oman has historically played a crucial mediating role between Washington and Tehran, particularly involving discussions around the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is a vital passage for around 20% of the world’s oil exports. Reporters have reached out to both the White House and the Omani Embassy for comments, while the Pentagon redirected inquiries to the White House.
Newsweek analysis reveals Trump has been active in authorizing military operations in various regions since he resumed office in January 2025. This includes military strikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, 2026.
Why Oman is Significant
Oman’s strategic location at the Strait of Hormuz makes it a pivotal player in international energy trade. The nation has maintained relations with both the United States and Iran, often acting as a mediator during regional crises. This makes Trump’s recent threat stand out against the usual targets of U.S. foreign policy.
Countries Trump Has Already Targeted
Since the start of his second term, Trump has authorized military actions in several countries, including Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Iran, Syria, Nigeria, and Venezuela. These operations vary from targeting ISIS and al-Shabaab to significant strikes like the one on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025. Trump declared that Iranian facilities had been “completely and totally obliterated” following the attack.
Additionally, operations against Yemen’s Houthi movement and extensive counterterrorism actions in regions like Somalia and Syria have been part of this military agenda.
Potential Military Action Elsewhere
Beyond targeted actions, Trump has indicated possible military endeavors in other regions. Prior to office, he mentioned using force to secure Greenland or the Panama Canal, deeming them vital to U.S. security. Such suggestions were rejected by Danish and Panamanian leaders.
Following the 2026 operation in Venezuela, Trump hinted at involvement in countries like Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico, discussing potential military moves against Mexican cartels and other interventions.
The explicit threat towards Oman has intensified discussions, moving from general intervention language to specific bombing rhetoric.
Testing the ‘No New Wars’ Stance
Trump’s use of military power contrasts with his 2024 election promises where he emphasized avoiding new international conflicts. The White House argues that recent strikes are limited actions aimed at protecting U.S. interests and preventing adversaries from gaining military advantage.
Advocates of Trump’s policy describe this approach as “peace through strength,” using potential force as a deterrent. Critics argue that Trump pledged to end endless wars, claiming his current actions deviate from those promises.
MAGA Base Reactions
Criticism within Trump’s support base has concentrated on the conflict with Iran. Some America First affiliates worry about escalating involvement in the Middle East, recalling Trump’s earlier anti-war rhetoric. Meanwhile, supporters justify the strikes as essential for U.S. security.
This has created a divide within the MAGA movement between traditional security conservatives and isolationists skeptical of foreign involvement. Currently, the disagreement has not notably impacted Trump’s approval among Republican voters but highlights a division in the America First coalition.
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