WASHINGTON — The White House has issued a formal statement regarding ongoing negotiations in the Arabian Peninsula, with the President warning that the Sultanate of Oman risks immediate military intervention should it continue independent diplomatic efforts with Iran.
The warning, delivered via social media at 3:47 a.m. Eastern Time, references Oman’s parallel negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a matter the administration views as outside the scope of current peace talks. The 60-day negotiation window expires this week.
State Department spokesperson James Mitchell clarified in a subsequent briefing that the threat represents “a strongly-worded expression of preference” rather than a formal military contingency. When pressed on whether the U.S. military had received operational orders, Mitchell deferred to the Defense Department, which did not respond to requests for comment.
Oman, a nation of 4.6 million people and a longtime American security partner, has maintained diplomatic channels with Iran for decades. The sultanate’s Foreign Ministry released a measured statement noting that “all parties seek stability in the region” and that Oman remains committed to its existing partnerships.
Analysts note this marks the first time in modern diplomatic history that a president has threatened military action against an ally over its pursuit of separate peace negotiations. The incident has prompted emergency meetings at the State Department and calls from congressional leadership for clarification on the administration’s regional strategy.
The White House has not issued a retraction or clarification as of press time.