Ankara: US President Donald Trump on Monday threatened military action against Oman if it interferes with US-Iran negotiations, while stating that Washington is in direct contact with officials from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). "If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the shit out of them," Trump told Fox News when asked about Oman's role in negotiations involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Anadolu Agency, Iran announced on Saturday that it had reached an agreement with Oman on a shipping route map for the Strait of Hormuz following weeks of technical negotiations. Turning to Iran, Trump stated that Tehran should raise a "white flag of surrender," adding: "They're good poker players, but they're dying." He also confirmed that Washington has a backchannel with the IRGC, stating, "We have a backchannel with the IRGC. We are speaking directly with the IRGC officials in Iran."

On the topic of Gaza, Trump remarked that "Israelis should not be striking in Gaza. Hamas agreed to lay down their weapons." He further mentioned that the US maintains a separate channel of communication with Hamas, saying, "We have a different channel with Hamas, and ultimately they are giving up their guns." These comments come as Washington continues efforts to implement Trump's Gaza peace plan, which includes the disarmament of Hamas and an Israeli military withdrawal from the enclave.

When asked about Israeli politics, Trump expressed that it was "most appropriate" for him to stay out of the country's elections but left open the possibility of endorsing a candidate. "I think it's most appropriate for me to stay out of Israeli elections, but I may endorse somebody," he said.