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Donald Trump continues to zigzag in his approach to negotiations with Iran, threatening to “blow up” Oman, a longstanding US ally, if it involves itself in discussions over reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Muscat has reportedly held talks with Iran about overseeing passage through the channel, which is Iran’s major bargaining chip. Trump said that Hormuz was “international waters” and Oman would have to “behave just like everybody else”. Under UN law the Strait of Hormuz is a “strait used for international navigation”, which grants passage rights to all ships, but most of it is located in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. This may be academic for now. Iran and the US have accused each other of violating the ceasefire in the past few days.
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