The Iran Strait of Hormuz issue has again come into focus after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Tehran of using the strategic waterway as a tool of pressure. Speaking before departing for the ASEAN meetings in the Philippines, Rubio said the United States remains committed to diplomacy but stressed that negotiations must be genuine and credible.
Rubio said Washington is always prepared to pursue diplomatic efforts with Iran if there is a sincere commitment from both sides. However, he warned that diplomacy cannot succeed if any agreement is violated or its terms are ignored after being accepted.
The US secretary of state said an agreement loses its effectiveness if one party fails to honor its commitments. He noted that the United States has made several attempts to resolve differences with Iran through dialogue and intends to continue pursuing diplomatic engagement whenever possible.
Referring to maritime security, Rubio said Iran is using the Iran Strait of Hormuz as leverage to exert pressure. He added that the United States will continue taking necessary measures to safeguard international shipping routes and ensure the uninterrupted movement of commercial vessels.
Rubio also urged other countries to share responsibility for protecting global maritime trade. He said international partners should contribute through military support, logistical assistance, or financial resources to strengthen collective security efforts in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and energy exports. Any tensions involving the waterway often raise concerns over regional stability, energy markets, and international trade.
Rubio reiterated that the United States favors diplomacy over confrontation but emphasized that negotiations must be based on mutual compliance and trust. He said Washington will continue working with international partners while maintaining efforts to protect global shipping through the Iran Strait of Hormuz.
