Renewed military exchanges between the United States (US) and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz have once again pushed global oil prices higher. In early Asian trading on Thursday (28/5/2026), US crude oil prices climbed nearly 2% to US$90.38 per barrel following reports of escalating confrontations between the two nations in the strategic waterway. This rebound came after oil prices had previously dropped by around 5%.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump threatened to use military force against Oman if the country cooperated with Iran in asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that Oman must behave like other nations or face destruction.

According to Aljazeera on Thursday (28/5/2026), Trump made the remarks while responding to reporters during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. A journalist had asked for his opinion regarding the idea of Oman and Iran jointly overseeing trade activities in the strategic passage, which handles more than 20% of global oil shipments.

“Would you accept a temporary agreement allowing Iran and Oman to control the strait?” the reporter asked.

In response, Trump issued a statement containing explicit threats. He stressed that no party should dominate the Strait of Hormuz before directing his warning toward Oman.

“No one will control it. It is international waters, and Oman will behave like every other country, or we will blow them up,” Trump said.

There was initial speculation that Trump may have mistakenly said “Oman” instead of “Iran.” However, the US State Department later shared the statement on social media along with a transcript clearly referring to the Arab nation.

In response, Iran expressed solidarity with Oman.

Also citing Aljazeera on Thursday (28/5/2026), Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei voiced support for Oman following what he described as “threats from US officials.”

The statement came after Trump threatened to “blow up” Oman if the country failed to “behave like other nations” regarding the control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Baghaei also condemned the recent US attacks on the Iranian region of Bandar Abbas.

Oman, which has long maintained a neutral stance, has not indicated any intention to cooperate with Iran in controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US and Oman remain close allies with diplomatic ties spanning more than 200 years.

The two countries also maintain several strategic agreements, including security partnerships, a free trade agreement, and cooperation in science and technology.