Escalating tensions
US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if it obstructs Washington’s objectives in Iran, while his son-in-law and envoy Jared Kushner has held lengthy talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future of the Gaza peace plan.
Warning directed at Oman
Trump reportedly made the threat during comments relayed by a Fox News correspondent, saying the United States could bomb Oman if the country “gets in the way”. No recording of the interview was immediately released publicly.
Oman has traditionally maintained close relations with Washington while acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran. The country has also been involved in discussions concerning commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran agreement reaches its deadline
Trump’s comments came as the 60-day period for negotiating a comprehensive agreement with Iran expired without a settlement. The proposed deal was expected to address Tehran’s nuclear programme and establish longer-term security arrangements following months of conflict.
The president said Iran was unwilling to accept the type of agreement he considered necessary. He also rejected the possibility of extending an interim arrangement and argued that Tehran should surrender.
The US administration continues to insist that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials, however, have rejected demands they view as undermining the country’s sovereignty and security.
Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint
The dispute has intensified concern about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passed through the waterway before the latest regional hostilities.
Restrictions and security risks have reduced commercial traffic, contributing to higher oil prices and renewed fears about inflation. Any direct confrontation involving Oman could further disrupt energy supplies and damage Washington’s relations with an important regional partner.
Kushner meets Netanyahu
Meanwhile, Kushner met Netanyahu in Jerusalem for almost four hours as Washington attempted to advance its Gaza roadmap. The talks followed Kushner’s meeting in Egypt with senior Hamas political official Khalil al-Hayya.
Officials described the Jerusalem discussions as detailed and productive, but no breakthrough was announced. Two working groups were reportedly established: one to examine the disarmament process and another to address sanitation, clean water and public health in Gaza.
Disagreement over the sequence
The central dispute remains unresolved. Netanyahu maintains that Israeli forces will not withdraw and reconstruction will not begin until Hamas has surrendered its weapons and Gaza has been demilitarised.
Hamas says it has accepted the broad framework of the US-backed plan but argues that Israel must first end military operations and withdraw its forces. Kushner indicated that Hamas representatives had made encouraging statements, although practical implementation could take several months.
Diplomatic pressure intensifies
The parallel disputes underline the difficulties facing Washington’s regional strategy. Trump is attempting to secure Iranian concessions while pressing Israel and Hamas towards an agreement in Gaza.
However, threatening Oman could weaken the mediation channels needed to reach both objectives. With the Iranian negotiating deadline expired and the Gaza parties still divided, the risk of further military and economic disruption remains high.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 18 August 2026
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