US3 min(s) read
Published 11:23 28 May 2026 GMT
Trump threatens to 'blow up entire nation' if they refuse to do this one thing
Donald Trump has doubled down on his stance over the Strait of Hormuz as tensions continue to rise following Iran’s decision to block the critical shipping route earlier this year.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, is considered one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
According to the International Energy Agency, roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil passes through the narrow waterway, as well as one-fifth of the world's liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The agency has previously warned that any further disputes in the area could have “huge consequences for world oil markets”, and Iran’s blockade has already sparked growing international concern.
US remain in negotiations with Iran
The US has spent weeks attempting to negotiate a deal with Iran to fully reopen the strait, but talks have reportedly stalled.
While Iran initially sought to restrict access to the route, reports now suggest the country wants greater control over the passage and potentially influence over vessels traveling through it.
There had also been speculation that ownership or oversight of the waterway could be shared between Iran and Oman, though Trump firmly rejected the idea during remarks on Tuesday, May 26.
“The Strait is going to be open to everybody,” Trump claimed.
“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.”
Trump threatens Oman
The president also appeared to issue a stark warning aimed at Oman if the country failed to cooperate with US demands.
“Oman will behave just like everybody else. Or else we’ll have to blow them up,” Trump stated. “They understand that. They’ll be fine.”
Some initially questioned whether Trump had misspoken, but the Department of State later echoed the comments on social media, suggesting the administration was standing by the U.S. leader's comments.
The growing dispute comes after Iran reportedly launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), which declared that ships would require explicit approval before traveling through the strategic waterway.
Rumors had also circulated that Iran planned to charge vessels toll fees for passing through the strait. However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei denied that claim during an interview with Australia’s ABC.
However, Baghaei did suggest there would still be costs associated with maintaining the route.
“Navigation and the preservation of the ecosystem of the Strait, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman will have costs,” he said, according to CNBC.
The situation has continued to fuel fears over possible further economic consequences and further instability in the region as global powers watch negotiations closely.