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Trump threatened to ‘blow up’ Oman — why the tiny Gulf kingdom is caught between DC and Iran
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President Donald Trump’s threat to «blow up» Oman if the Gulf kingdom didn’t «behave» has exposed a rare rupture with one of Washington’s most valuable Middle East partners — a country that has spent decades quietly serving as America’s backchannel to Iran.
«The strait’s gotta be open to everybody,» the president said during a Cabinet meeting Wednesday. «It’s international waters. Nobody’s going to control it. We’re going to watch over it. We’ll watch over it, but nobody’s going to control it. That’s part of the negotiation that we have. They would like to control it; nobody’s going to control it. It’s international waters. And Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow ‘em up. They understand that. They’ll be fine.»
The remark came amid a dispute over the future of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. The Trump administration has strongly opposed reported discussions involving Iran and Oman over a potential tolling system or joint management arrangement for the strait, arguing such a move would threaten freedom of navigation and give Tehran greater influence over one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
The comments reflected a broader dispute over how far Oman should go in its efforts to engage Iran as the two countries discuss proposals related to the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ TOLL WOULD SET ‘DANGEROUS PRECEDENT,’ UN SHIPPING AGENCY WARNS
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi meets Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq Al Said at Al Baraka Palace in Muscat, Oman, April 26, 2026. (Oman News Agency/Handout via Reuters)
A drone view shows vessels anchored at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, May 25, 2026. (Stringer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY via Reuters)
The Omani embassy and the White House could not be reached for comment on the underlying tensions or negotiations on the Strait of Hormuz.
Situated on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman occupies the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz and has long pursued a foreign policy distinct from many of its Gulf neighbors.
While maintaining close security ties with the U.S., Muscat also has preserved relations with Iran, allowing it to serve as one of the region’s key intermediaries. Oman helped facilitate secret U.S.–Iran talks that paved the way for nuclear negotiations, has repeatedly served as a diplomatic channel between Washington and Tehran and has played a role in negotiations involving Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
«Oman’s role as the Switzerland of the Middle East has advanced U.S. interests,» April Alley, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute, told Fox News Digital.
«They have facilitated numerous rounds of talks between U.S. and Iranians,» she said. «They were also able to broker a truce between the US and the Houthis in the Red Sea. Their neutrality allows them to be quiet facilitators when adversaries are ready to talk.»
Oman’s value to Washington historically has stemmed from its ability to maintain communication channels with actors that many U.S. partners cannot or will not engage directly.
The Gulf kingdom has served as a go-between in negotiations involving the United States and Iran, supported diplomatic efforts related to Yemen and frequently positioned itself as a neutral intermediary during regional crises.
Yacoubian described that role as «indispensable» to previous diplomatic efforts.
«Oman has long played an important role as a quiet mediator, acting as a go-between for the United States and Iran in various negotiations including for the Obama-era JCPOA and more recently with the Trump administration and its efforts to negotiate with Iran prior to the 12-day war in June 2025,» she said.
President Donald Trump attends a cabinet meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on May 27, 2026. (Evan Vucci/Reuters)
A real dispute beneath the rhetoric
While Trump’s remarks drew attention, experts said they reflected a substantive disagreement over the future of the Strait of Hormuz rather than a purely rhetorical outburst.
«I think it was both,» Alley said when asked whether the remarks were simply an unusual threat directed at a longtime U.S. partner or reflected deeper concerns.
«Oman is an important defense partner, and the Trump administration has a record of working with them on mediation initiatives. The President has an unconventional style, but still this comment was shocking.»
«Beyond the shock value, I think it reflects clear frustration on the part of the administration with the Omani approach to the Strait,» she said. «The President is signaling that Oman has gone too far in discussions with Iran on options for opening the Strait that could give Iran administrative control and interfere with freedom of navigation.»
The administration’s concerns center on reports that Iran and Oman have discussed arrangements involving tolls, fees or joint administration of the strategic waterway.
«The administration is right to be concerned about tolls, fees, or joint management of the Strait,» Alley said. «All of these things are a recipe for Iran interfering with freedom of navigation in the long term and they could set a dangerous precedent for other international waterways.»
She warned that if Iran were able to exert administrative control over Hormuz, other Iran-backed groups could seek similar arrangements elsewhere.
«I could see the Houthis trying for the same in the Bab al-Mandeb,» she said.
Mona Yacoubian, senior adviser and director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, similarly argued that any arrangement that financially benefits Iran through management of the strait would be cause for concern.
«If in fact under discussion, a joint management scheme that accrues monetary benefit to Iran, Oman, and possibly other GCC countries would be a justifiable cause for U.S. concern as this would undermine broader principles of freedom of navigation and set a worrying precedent globally,» she told Fox News Digital.
Yacoubian said Oman likely is attempting to serve as a bridge between Iran and Gulf Arab states amid concerns over future shipping disruptions in the strait.
«Oman is likely seeking to serve as a bridge between Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council states,» she said.
But, Yacoubian added, «It is important to underscore that these types of threats are not well-received globally and contribute to an overall erosion of trust in the United States as a credible negotiator and leading global power.»
WHY GULF STATES AREN’T JOINING THE WAR AGAINST IRAN — DESPITE ATTACKS ON THEIR SOIL
Oman’s role has not been without controversy. Unlike many of its Gulf neighbors, Muscat has often sought to maintain relationships with rival regional powers even during periods of heightened tension.
Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the Middle East Forum, argued that concerns about Muscat extend beyond the current dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.
«Oman often acts as Qatar-lite,» Rubin told Fox News Digital. «They like to mediate but, in the past at least, they appear to have turned blind eyes to terror finance and weapons smuggling.»
Rubin pointed to what he described as three longstanding concerns: alleged Iranian weapons smuggling through Oman to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Oman’s hosting of Houthi leaders and what he characterized as financial incentives tied to disruptions in Red Sea shipping.
«It’s no secret that Oman has kind of chosen its own path, and sometimes split the difference between Iran and the rest of the Gulf in ways that have concerned U.S. policymakers,» Daniel Beinam, fellow of the Middle East Institute and former senior State Department official for Middle Eastern affairs, told Fox News Digital.
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Even so, Beinam emphasized the depth of the relationship between the two countries.
«For a century and a half, Oman has been a close partner to the United States,» he said.
middle east, national security, donald trump, foreign policy, iran
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Hegseth steps in to ‘fix’ situation after Apache pilots suspended for ‘Salute from the Shores’ flyover
Military flyover, Parade of Sail mark America’s 250th birthday in New York City
New York City hosts a spectacular military flyover and parade of tall ships up the Hudson River for America’s 250th birthday. The event features a reenlistment ceremony on the USS Nimitz, which is preparing for retirement after 51 years of service. Various military aircraft, including Black Hawks and A-4 Skyhawks, perform precision flyovers, showcasing the nation’s military might and celebrating its rich history.
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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stepped in quickly after reports that the pilots of eight Apache helicopters were suspended following a low-altitude flyover during South Carolina’s «Salute from the Shores» event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Video of the Apache helicopters conducting a low-altitude flyover as beachgoers cheered and waved flags quickly went viral. However, Fox affiliate Fox Carolina reported Thursday that after the pilots landed, they were informed they had been suspended pending an investigation.
Their suspension did not last long. Shortly after news broke of the suspension, Hegseth posted on X, «We’ll fix this. Carry on, Patriots.»
Early the next morning, Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman and senior advisor to Hegseth, announced that «effective immediately, the suspension of all involved South Carolina pilots has been lifted.» Echoing Hegseth, he added, «Carry on Patriots.»
HEGSETH SAYS PENTAGON WILL REVIEW MARK KELLY’S PUBLIC STATEMENTS ABOUT CLASSIFIED BRIEFING AMID ONGOING FEUD
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth quickly stepped in to «fix» the situation after it was reported that eight National Guard pilots had been suspended following their participation in a low-level flyover at a South Carolina «Salute from the Shore» event on July 4th. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images; ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Fox Carolina reported on Thursday that South Carolina National Guard spokesperson Maj. Lisa Alle clarified the suspension was intended to be temporary and that the pilots remained in good standing with the military.
Alle emphasized to the outlet, «We want to assure the community that a temporary suspension from flight duties is a routine administrative measure whenever a flight profile is under review. This is not punitive.»
While suspended, the pilots were continuing to work and getting paid.
Despite this, the pilots’ suspension outraged many online who expressed anger that they would be under review for participating in a patriotic event.
FIRST ON FOX: BEHIND THE SCENES OF ARLINGTON’S MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE FOR AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY
A flight of U.S. Army helicopters flies past the Washington Monument and over the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, July 3, 2026. (Andrew Leyden/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Conservative influencer Matt Van Swol posted on X, «WHAT ON EARTH??!!!! The National Guard has just SUSPENDED all 8 pilots of the Apache helicopters that flew on the ‘Salute to the Shore’ flyover across the South Carolina coast. No reason has been given for their suspension. A source says as soon as the pilots landed, they got a message saying they were suspended pending an investigation.»
Another popular influencer who goes by the username Jammles9 reacted, «Are you kidding me?? This was incredible!!»
Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., wrote, «Leave it to a beach Karen to make a frivolous complaint about the most EPIC flyover ever on Independence Day. Newsflash— we LOVED the flyovers!!!»
The congressman added, «These heroes deserve to be CELEBRATED, not chastised. We stand with each of the Apache pilots!»
‘THE VIEW’ CO-HOST SUNNY HOSTIN LAMENTS ‘I SUDDENLY FEEL UNSAFE’ IN NEIGHBORHOODS WITH AMERICAN FLAGS
Attendees watch the Independence Day fireworks display along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (Probal Rashid/LightRocket via Getty Images)
In a statement shared with Fox News Digital Friday morning, the South Carolina National Guard confirmed the state adjutant general had lifted the administrative suspension of the eight pilots.
The statement referred to the pilots as «.experienced aviators» and noted that returning them to flight status «ensures that the South Carolina National Guard maintains its peak operational readiness and remains fully postured to support both state and federal missions.»
«The South Carolina National Guard’s 59th Aviation Troop Command is an exceptional helicopter unit, renowned throughout the Army and the National Guard for its unwavering commitment to excellence and Soldier safety,» the statement read. «As is the hallmark of any professional organization, the 59th Aviation Troop Command continuously self-examines and critically evaluates its training and operations to ensure that the highest levels of professionalism and safety are maintained.
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«The subject events of July 4th are no exception, as our pilots remain deeply committed to excellence and the highest standards of safety,» the South Carolina National Guard continued, adding, «The South Carolina National Guard appreciates the outpouring of concern and support from our community and state leaders. Go Guard!»
Praise poured in for Hegseth after the decision, with Mike Davis, a former Capitol Hill staffer, posting, «This is why I love Pete.»
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Swol commented, «Really appreciate @PeteHegseth lifting this suspension. My wife and I were on that beach and we watched the flyover with my son… it was absolutely epic. This right here is why I love Pete Hegseth. Thank you @SecWar.»
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INTERNACIONAL
Descubrieron en Uruguay un dinosaurio gigante de 83 millones de años y lo llamaron “el protector”
Dos huesos de la cola hallados en el norte de Uruguay bastaron para cambiar lo que se sabía sobre los dinosaurios que habitaron allí. Esos huesos pertenecen a una especie que nadie conocía.
Se llama Mesetasaurus protector y es un titanosaurio, un subgrupo de los saurópodos, los dinosaurios de cuello largo más grandes que existieron, que vivió en el Cretácico Tardío, hace 83 millones de años.
“Con su nombre quisimos rendir un homenaje a José Artigas, el prócer uruguayo conocido como “Protector de los Pueblos Libres”, cuya capital estuvo a pocos kilómetros del lugar donde aparecieron los fósiles», contó a Infobae el doctor en biología Daniel Perea, profesor de paleontología de vertebrados en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad de la República de Uruguay y uno de los científicos que hizo el análisis de los restos fósiles.
Trabajó con Matías Soto Núñez y Felipe Montenegro, que también forman parte del Instituto de Ciencias Geológicas de la Facultad de Ciencias. La investigación se publicó en la revista Ameghiniana, de la Asociación Paleontológica Argentina.
Aunque los titanosaurios fueron el grupo de dinosaurios más abundante y diverso del Cretácico Tardío en América del Sur, Uruguay tenía muy pocos registros propios. El conocimiento sobre estos animales estuvo durante décadas sesgado hacia las formas patagónicas, y países como Uruguay quedaban fuera de ese mapa prehistórico.
A ese vacío se sumaba una pregunta sin respuesta: nadie sabía con certeza qué tan antigua era la Formación Guichón, la capa de roca del noroeste uruguayo donde aparecen estos fósiles.
Estudios anteriores ubicaban a esa formación en períodos mucho más viejos, lo que generaba confusión sobre la fauna que realmente habitó esa región.
Hasta este trabajo, además, solo se conocía una especie de dinosaurio saurópodo en Uruguay: el Udelartitan celeste, un titanosaurio de una rama familiar distinta.
El objetivo de la nueva investigación fue describir dos vértebras caudales —huesos de la cola— halladas en la Meseta de Artigas, en el norte del departamento de Paysandú, y determinar a qué grupo pertenecían.
Los aeolosaurinos son un grupo de titanosaurios que vivió exclusivamente en el Cretácico Tardío, entre hace unos 89 y 66 millones de años, y su presencia en una formación geológica sirve como pista para fechar las rocas donde aparecen.
El equipo de investigadores también buscó usar ese hallazgo para resolver el misterio de la edad de la Formación Guichón y establecer si la fauna prehistórica de Uruguay tenía vínculos con la de Argentina y Brasil en ese mismo período.
Los restos fósiles del dinosaurio fueron encontrados por Guillermo Sena y Daniel Montano en la década de 1980, en un pequeño acantilado cerca de la orilla oeste del río Uruguay.
“Sena y Montano fueron a pescar a esa zona, y allí los encontraron”, señaló Perea. Décadas después, los científicos fotografiaron y midieron los restos con un calibre de precisión y los compararon con vértebras de otras especies de titanosaurios de América del Sur.
Con esos datos en la mano, realizaron un análisis filogenético (una especie de árbol genealógico basado en características físicas compartidas entre especies) para saber a qué familia de dinosaurios pertenecía el animal.
Usaron una matriz de datos con decenas de especies y el software TNT, que fue inventado por Pablo Goloboff, investigador del Conicet, James Farris y Kevin Nixon.
Para resolver también el misterio de la edad de la Formación Guichón, los investigadores uruguayos construyeron una tabla con la presencia o ausencia de 46 grupos de animales prehistóricos en 36 formaciones geológicas de Uruguay, Argentina, Brasil, Chile, África y Madagascar.
El objetivo era detectar qué faunas se parecían entre sí y, a partir de eso, estimar en qué período vivieron.
El árbol genealógico ubicó al Mesetasaurus protector dentro del grupo de los aeolosaurinos, lo que lo convirtió en una especie completamente nueva para la ciencia.
Además, pasó a ser la segunda especie de saurópodo registrada en Uruguay, de un linaje distinto al del Udelartitan celeste. “La nueva especie de dinosaurio habría medido diez metros de longitud”, dijo Perea a Infobae.
La comparación de las especies dio otro resultado relevante: la Formación Guichón se agrupa con formaciones patagónicas del Cretácico Tardío, como las formaciones Allen y Los Alamitos de Argentina, con las que comparte la presencia de aeolosaurinos y otros grupos animales del mismo período.
Eso indica que esa capa de roca es más reciente de lo que se creía: se formó probablemente entre hace 83 y 86 millones de años.
Esa datación más reciente también cambia la lectura sobre otros animales hallados en la misma formación. El cocodrilo prehistórico Uruguaysuchus, por ejemplo, podría haber sobrevivido hasta el Cretácico más tardío de lo que se pensaba.
El material de otros dinosaurios hallados en la Formación Guichón, como terópodos y ornitópodos —dinosaurios carnívoros y herbívoros de dos patas, respectivamente— aún está bajo estudio.
Esos análisis futuros, según los investigadores, podrían aportar más precisión sobre la edad y los vínculos de esta capa geológica con otras regiones de América del Sur.
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