Marc Sievers, the former US ambassador to Oman, described the Gulf state's silence regarding Iranian claims of joint control over the Strait of Hormuz as "puzzling." He emphasized that while Iran has promoted the idea of shared administration, Oman has not publicly confirmed or denied these assertions. This ambiguity has reportedly harmed Oman's reputation in Washington, particularly as the Trump administration has threatened sanctions if Oman collaborates with Iran on tolls for vessels transiting Hormuz. Sievers noted that the Iranian regime's establishment of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which could impose fees on shipping, violates international law. Additionally, the US has expressed concern that Oman is drifting away from its historically neutral stance, which had allowed it to mediate between Iran and the West. As a result, Oman’s influence as a mediator has diminished, with the US now looking towards Qatar and Pakistan for future negotiations with Iran. Despite the tensions, Oman continues to provide navigational support and assistance to US vessels in the region, indicating a complex relationship amid rising geopolitical pressures.