Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the Omani Ambassador to the United States, Talal al-Rahbi, on the sidelines of an event organized by the US State Department at the US Institute of Peace in Washington. The meeting took place following President Donald Trump’s recent threat to bomb the Sultanate of Oman.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the two sides exchanged views on issues of common interest and praised the level of cooperation between their countries. They emphasized the importance of continued coordination to address shared challenges. The dialogue underscored the significance of maintaining diplomatic relations amidst rising tensions.

The meeting was prompted by President Trump’s statement on Monday, where he threatened military action against Oman, a nation currently engaged in negotiations with Iran regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump commented in an interview with Fox News, “If Oman gets in our way, we will bomb them very hard.”

This incident marks another instance of US threats toward Oman, despite the country’s role as a key partner of Washington in Middle East mediation efforts. US officials have previously hinted at the possibility of military action and sanctions against Oman, further straining the diplomatic ties between the two nations.