US Secretary of StateMarco Rubiowarned that theStrait of Hormuz'has to be open, one way or the other' following recent American strikes targeting Iranian military assets near the strategic waterway. His remarks came as tensions between Washington and Tehran escalated again despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations aimed at easing the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical shipping corridors, carrying a significant portion of global oil exports. Any disruption in the passage can immediately affect energy markets, shipping operations, and international trade.
Rubio's latest comments signaled that the United States considers unrestricted navigation through the strait a non-negotiable priority.
According to the US Central Command, American forces launched what officials described as 'defensive' strikes against Iranian targets in southern Iran, which, according to the US Central Command, were meant 'to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.'
The attacks reportedly hit boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines and missile launch sites believed to threaten US aircraft and maritime traffic near the Strait of Hormuz.
Navy Captain and Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins said in a statement, 'US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire,' perReuters.
AnotherReutersreport indicates that Iran accused Washington of violating a fragile ceasefire arrangement that had reduced hostilities for several weeks. Iranian officials argued that the latest strikes undermined ongoing negotiations intended to restore calm and reopen commercial shipping routes in the Gulf region.
Speaking to reporters while travelling in Jaipur, India, Rubio stressed that maritime access through the strait could not remain restricted. He said that negotiations with Iran were still underway and acknowledged that reaching a final agreement may take several more days.
SECRETARY RUBIO: The straits have to be open. What’s happening there is illegal. It’s unsustainable for the world and it’s unacceptable.pic.twitter.com/5lQHIxjnNK
'The straits have to be open, they're going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open,' Rubio said to reporters viaReuters.
Source: International Business Times UK
