The United States is growing increasingly frustrated with Oman over its reported discussions with Iran about jointly controlling the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has warned Oman that it will face consequences if it doesn't comply with US demands.
When asked at a press conference whether he would accept a short-term deal allowing Iran and Oman to control the strait, Trump was blunt. 'It's going to be open to everybody,' he said.
However, Trump also warned Oman that if it doesn't behave, 'we'll have to blow them up.'
The US is opposing Oman's plan to charge fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has been discussing with Oman. The talks between the two countries were first reported by Bloomberg News.
Iran's newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated on social media that it had defined the boundaries of its management supervision area over the strait and that passage would require a permit from the authority.
Oman had first rejected the idea of partnering with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz but is now discussing taking a share of the revenue from the proposed system.
Trump and senior US officials have strongly rejected any attempt to charge ships for passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump saying 'We want it free. We don't want tolls. It's international. It's an international waterway.'
