Tensions: Report

ISLAMABAD: The United States has pressured Oman to cut ties with Iran and issued threats of sanctions and potential military action, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing US and Arab officials.

The pressure comes as Oman has played a key mediating role in indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

Omani officials have mediated at least two major rounds of talks in recent months, including sessions in Muscat and Geneva. Both rounds faced interruptions linked to Israeli and American strikes on Iranian targets.

The latest tensions centre on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint handling around 20 percent of global oil traffic. Iran has pushed for joint management or toll systems with Oman, prompting sharp US warnings.

President Donald Trump publicly stated during a cabinet meeting that Oman must “behave” or face consequences, reportedly saying the US would “blow them up” if Muscat cooperated with Tehran on controlling the waterway.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington would aggressively target any actors facilitating tolls on the Strait, directly referencing Oman.

Oman has maintained its traditional role as a neutral mediator in the Gulf. The Sultanate hosted early rounds of US-Iran nuclear discussions in April 2025 in Muscat and continued facilitation efforts into 2026.

Pakistani diplomatic sources familiar with regional dynamics note that Oman’s balancing act holds significance for broader Gulf stability, especially given Pakistan’s own energy import routes and security interests in the Arabian Sea.

The WSJ report highlights growing US frustration with Oman’s continued engagement with Iran despite ongoing conflicts. Oman has faced drone strikes on its ports earlier in the conflict but avoided direct confrontation with Tehran.

Key US demands reportedly include Oman distancing itself from any joint maritime framework with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran established a Persian Gulf Strait Authority in early May 2026 to potentially manage shipping fees.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi has previously described nuclear talks as making “significant progress,” with Iran reportedly agreeing to limits on uranium stockpiling during mediated sessions.

However, strikes disrupted momentum. The first round in Muscat occurred in April 2025, followed by further indirect talks in Geneva in February 2026. Both saw interruptions after military actions.

**Official Positions**

The White House has not issued a full denial of the pressure campaign. Arab officials cited in reports confirm repeated US messages urging Oman to align more closely against Iran.

Oman has remained publicly measured. Its longstanding policy emphasises dialogue and neutrality, a position that has earned it credibility as a backchannel facilitator between adversaries.

Pakistani analysts monitoring the situation point to the strategic value of Omani mediation, particularly as Islamabad maintains its own diplomatic channels in the region.

**Economic and Security Context**

The Strait of Hormuz sees daily transit of approximately 21 million barrels of oil. Any disruption or new toll regime could add significant costs to global energy markets, with ripple effects on South Asian importers including Pakistan.

US sanctions threats target not only direct participants but also indirect facilitators. Treasury warnings specify penalties for any willing partners in toll collection efforts.

Oman’s economy relies heavily on trade, logistics, and its ports. Duqm and Salalah serve as important hubs. Earlier Iranian drone incidents on Omani territory highlighted the risks of being caught in crossfire.

**Reactions and Regional Implications**

Gulf states have watched developments closely. Several Arab officials expressed concern over escalating rhetoric between Washington and a traditional US partner like Oman.

Iran has continued pushing its position on Hormuz rights, describing the waterway as falling within territorial zones shared with Oman.

Markets have shown sensitivity. Energy prices fluctuated following Trump’s remarks, reflecting fears over potential closure or militarisation of the Strait.

In Islamabad, foreign ministry officials continue to advocate for de-escalation. Pakistan has interests in stable Gulf shipping lanes for its oil imports and worker remittances from the region.

**Strategic Outlook**

The US approach reflects a broader policy of forcing regional actors to reduce engagement with Iran amid unresolved nuclear issues. Oman’s geography makes it central to any Hormuz arrangement, placing it in a difficult position between its Iranian neighbour and American ally.

Future developments may hinge on whether Oman adjusts its mediation stance or maintains its independent line. Upcoming technical-level discussion