Former President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interfered with U.S. dealings regarding Iran, Fox News reported. Trump made the comment during a phone call on Monday, stating that the U.S. had a direct backchannel with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC later denied any talks with the U.S. A spokesman for the IRGC told the semi-official Tasnim News Agency that Trump's claim was "fantasies caused by the delusions and nightmares he has suffered as a result of defeat and desperation in the war."
Oman, which identifies as a neutral country in the conflict, has been involved in negotiations with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through this vital waterway. Iran has largely blocked the strait since February, following attacks by the U.S. and Israel.
The 60-day Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Iran, a commitment for further talks on a final agreement, was set to expire on Monday. Iranian officials had indicated on Monday that they were close to finalizing a deal with Iran on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's comments were made in the same interview where he claimed the U.S. had direct backchannel negotiations with the IRGC.