President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to bomb Oman, ordered a substantial reduction in U.S.–South Korea joint exercises, and saw Brent crude climb 2.6% to $91.10 a barrel, highlighting a surge in geopolitical tension that could pressure global energy supplies and regional security arrangements.
Trump told Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to scale back the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills with South Korea and warned that any Omani interference in U.S. negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz would invite a "bomb the s‑‑‑ out of" response. He also reiterated control of the Hormuz strait, noting a drop in vessel crossings from 118 to 95 per week, while South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed hope for renewed U.S.–North Korea dialogue.
The combined threats and drill reductions have already lifted oil prices, raising concerns among traders about shipping disruptions through the Hormuz corridor, which carries roughly 20% of world oil. Market participants note the timing ahead of U.S. midterm elections and the erosion of South Korean confidence in the U.S. security umbrella, factors that could affect regional investment flows and energy import costs.
Trump described North Korea as "unthreatening and respectful," a view at odds with South Korean officials who remain wary of the regime’s expanding nuclear capability and question whether the drill cutbacks will translate into substantive diplomatic progress.