United States President Donald Trump has threatened to blow up Oman if it collaborates with Iran to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said the strategically important waterway “is going to be open to everybody” amid reports that Iran and Oman were discussing a joint toll system for ships passing through the strait, speaking during a cabinet meeting.
“The strait is going to be open to everybody. Nobody’s going to control it. We’re going to watch over it. We’ll watch over it. But nobody’s going to control it. That’s part of the negotiation that we have,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies, has faced major disruptions since the start of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year, raising concerns about a possible global energy crisis.
According to sources, Iran has sought support from Oman for a system that would allow it to collect tolls from ships passing through the strategic waterway.
Speaking on the issue, Donald Trump claimed that Iran wants greater control over the strait. He said “Oman will behave just like everybody else. Or else we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that. They’ll be fine.”
Trump further accused Iran of trying to delay negotiations until after the US midterm elections scheduled for November.
