U.S. President Donald Trump, according to The Guardian, threatened to “blow up” Oman if it fails to "behave" in a casual aside during a cabinet meeting as Washington continues efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks came amid ongoing tensions over proposals involving Iran and Oman to impose transit tolls on ships using the strategic waterway, which has been largely closed since the start of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.

Trump Comments on Control of the Strait

During the meeting, Trump said, "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 added that the waterway is part of international waters and rejected any attempt by regional actors to regulate passage.

“They would like to control it,” Trump said, referring to Iran and Oman’s reported discussions on toll mechanisms.

Warning Directed at Oman

In an extraordinary remark, Trump issued a direct warning to Oman, saying, “Oman will behave just like everybody else. Or else we’ll have to blow them up. They understand that. They’ll be fine.”

The comments were made in reference to Oman’s reported involvement in discussions with Iran on a system to charge vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Oman’s Regional Role and Relations With the U.S.

Oman, a Gulf state of 5.3 million people, has longstanding military and economic ties with the United States and has also played a mediating role in regional conflicts.

According to The Guardian, Oman has itself come under attack from Tehran amid escalating tensions in the region.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis

The Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries around one-fifth of global oil supplies, has been effectively blocked by Iran since late February, triggering what analysts describe as a global energy crisis.

Iran is reportedly seeking to persuade Oman to support a toll collection mechanism for vessels passing through the waterway, according to the Associated Press, citing a regional official.

U.S. Position on Negotiations With Iran

Trump said the United States would ensure the strait remains open and not controlled by any single party.

“The strait is going to be open to everybody,” he said, adding that Washington is engaged in ongoing negotiations over the issue.

Separately, Trump accused Iran of delaying a potential agreement and attempting to “outwait me” until the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

Political Backlash in Washington

Following Trump’s recent push for a potential deal with Iran, Republican lawmakers voiced criticism.

Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, described a rumored 60-day ceasefire as a “disaster,” adding that “Everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught.”