U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could take control of the Strait of Hormuz if Iran fails to reach an agreement with Washington. In a 20-minute phone interview with Fox News on Sunday, Trump said the U.S. might impose tolls on the vital waterway and hinted at possible military action if the situation worsens. He also issued stern warnings to Iranian delegates participating in talks in Switzerland and to Iran’s regional allies.

The remarks followed reports from Iranian state media that Tehran might close the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israel’s alleged violations of a Lebanon ceasefire and U.S. failure to implement the first phase of a peace agreement. Trump reiterated that the U.S. could act as the “guardian” of the strait, through which about 20 percent of global oil passes, and called on Iran to stop funding proxy groups in Lebanon.

Trump’s comments have sparked renewed concern over Middle East stability, as the Strait of Hormuz remains critical to global energy supply and regional security.