US Treasury threatens Oman with sanctions over Hormuz Strait

A top US official says Oman should know that Washington ‘will aggressively target’ actors that facilitate tolls in waterway.The United States has warned that it would “aggressively” impose sanctions on Oman if it helps Iran establish a tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying President Donald Trump’s threats against the Gulf ally.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that Washington will “not tolerate” either country imposing fees on commercial ships in the strategic waterway.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Iran and US trade attacks after Trump rejects report of Hormuz agreementlist 2 of 3Why has Trump threatened to bomb Oman, amid Iran war escalation?list 3 of 3US attacks Bandar Abbas again: Why is the port so important for Iran?end of list“Oman, in particular, should know that the US Treasury will aggressively target any actors involved — directly or indirectly — in facilitating tolls for the Strait and any willing partners will be penalized,” Bessent said in a social media post.“All nations should reject outright any efforts by Iran to disrupt the free flow of commerce. Tehran’s days of terrorizing the region and the world are over.”The statement comes less than 24 hours after President Trump threatened to bomb Oman, a key US ally known for its neutrality and mediation efforts in regional crises, including the war between the US and Iran.While Iran has suggested that the governments in Tehran and Muscat could jointly manage the Hormuz Strait, Oman has not said it is seeking control over the waterway, parts of which flow through its territory.It is not clear what is driving Washington’s recent posture towards Oman. It is highly unusual for the US to threaten sanctions and military action against a close security and economic partner.Since the US and Israel started bombing Iran without direct provocation on February 28, Iran has closed the strait and claimed sovereignty over it.