Trump is threatening to bomb Oman, but why?

In practice, the world knows that U.S. President Donald Trump is angry with Iran.

Key points

• But he's not happy with the small country lying throughout the Strait of Hormuz from the Islamic Republic, either: Oman.
• Trump this week informed Fox News reporter Trey Yingst that the U.S.
• Here's a look at the country in the middle of the Washington-Tehran tug-of-war.
• Oman has played a relatively low-profile role since the Iran war began, including as a mediator.

In practice, the world knows that U.S. President Donald Trump is angry with Iran. But he's not happy with the small country lying throughout the Strait of Hormuz from the Islamic Republic, either: Oman.

Oman has played a relatively low-profile role since the Iran war began, including as a mediator. But its geography has thrust the sultanate into the uncomfortable position of negotiating with Tehran over management of the strait while facing Trump's threats.

Trump this week informed Fox News reporter Trey Yingst that the U.S. Would bomb Oman if it "gets in the way, " using an expletive for emphasis. It's not the first such threat he's created. Oman's foreign ministry didn't immediately respond to emailed questions regarding Trump's threat and when Oman and Iran might problem a joint statement on their accord.

Taken together, the developments around trump is threatening to bomb Oman, but why? Point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.