In an interview with Fox News, former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that if Iran were to block the Strait of Hormuz, the country would face severe economic collapse. He suggested the United States could act as a "guardian angel" of the strait, potentially securing up to 20% of the oil flowing through it, and said the U.S. might take direct control of the waterway if necessary. Trump also indicated that, absent a deal with Iran, the U.S. would impose fees on vessels passing the strait, and emphasized that current Hamas activities in Gaza should not distract from negotiations with Iran.