Senate Democrats are preparing to advance a war powers resolution aimed at halting military escalation with the Sultanate of Oman, after President Trump threatened to "bomb the shit" out of the strategically located Gulf ally. The legislative push, led by Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, questions the constitutional basis for launching military operations against a nation that maintains a free trade agreement and active diplomatic ties with Washington. The resolution is set for introduction when the Senate reconvenes.
For American workers and domestic economic stability, the threatened rupture comes as the United States relies on Omani logistical cooperation to ensure the free flow of crude through the Strait of Hormuz. Any kinetic action risks spiking fuel prices domestically, tightening the financial squeeze on households already navigating persistent inflation. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the economic risks of the military threats.
"At this point we may just need to file war powers resolutions for the 192 other countries," Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) told Axios.
President Trump issued the threat during a Monday interview with Fox News, stating, "If Oman gets in the way" of reopening the Strait, "we'll bomb the shit out of them." The remarks represent a sharp departure from standard policy toward the Sultanate, which has served as a back-channel intermediary in de-escalation talks concerning Iran. Sen. Kaine argued the threats undermine domestic interests by empowering economic adversaries. "These kinds of unprovoked threats serve only the interests of real adversaries like China," Kaine stated.
While the resolution faces an uphill battle against a Republican majority largely deferential to executive authority, it spotlights the growing friction between the legislative branch and an administration expanding military confrontation abroad. The push reflects a distinct anti-war posture, consistent with nationalist skepticism toward foreign entanglements that do not directly serve American security or domestic economic interests.