Trump is now threatening to ‘blow up’ Oman over Strait of Hormuz dispute

US President Donald Trump has threatened Oman during talks over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as the US continues efforts to secure a deal with Iran.

Speaking during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 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.

“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 roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies, has been heavily disrupted since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran earlier this year, fuelling fears of a wider energy crisis.

According to the Associated Press, Iran has sought Oman’s support for a mechanism to collect tolls from vessels crossing the waterway.

“They would like to control it,” Trump said before adding: “Oman will behave just like everybody else. Or else we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that. They’ll be fine.”

Trump also accused Iran of attempting to delay negotiations until after November’s US midterm elections.