Trump Rejects Hormuz Framework; “Blow Up” Oman Threat; Sanctions on Strait Authority
President Donald Trump at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting dismissed an Iranian state TV report that Iran and Oman would manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a deal, calling it “a complete fabrication”. “Nobody’s going to control the strait,” Trump said. “It’s international waters and Oman will behave just like everybody else or we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that, they’ll be fine.” The White House dismissed the framework report; Tehran did not comment. The US Treasury simultaneously added the Persian Gulf Strait Authority — the body Iran set up to manage strait transit — to its Specially Designated Nationals sanctions list.
The PGSA sanctions designation is the strongest US administrative signal yet that Washington will not legitimise Iran’s claimed control over the strait. Trump separately warned the deal may fail unless Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE join the Abraham Accords. “I’m not sure we should make the deal if they don’t,” Trump said. “If they don’t sign to join the Abraham Accords, I don’t know… I think those countries owe that to us, to be honest.” Trump also accused Iran of trying to stall on a deal until the November mid-term elections. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the Cabinet meeting: “The bottom line is Iran’s never going to have a nuclear weapon.” Trump told reporters Iran’s “economy is in free fall, their money has no value”.