Washington—The White House for weeks promised that Iran was close to signing a nuclear deal and that Oman could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The tiny Gulf nation suddenly found itself at the center of the effort to end the war. This deal, however, has proved elusive.

And President Trump’s frustration with the standoff prompted him to threaten to bomb Oman on Monday, alleging the country might be blocking an agreement. Some U.S. officials see Oman as favoring Iran, while others say Trump is lashing out over the failed negotiations.

The threat underscores Oman’s diplomatic role in mediating between Washington and Tehran, especially concerning the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Analysts note the Gulf state’s balancing act has become a flashpoint in broader U.S.-Iran tensions, highlighting the complexity of securing a viable nuclear framework with Iran.

The Monday declaration has shocked diplomats, but the core challenge remains the difficulty of reaching a nuclear accord with Iran. Whether the warning will pressure Oman or harden Iran’s stance remains uncertain, illustrating how regional politics can shift from hopeful diplomacy to outright confrontation.