Iran Using Strait of Hormuz as Leverage, U.S. Secretary of State Says

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that Iran is leveraging the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Speaking to reporters before a meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers in the Philippines, Rubio indicated that certain factions within Iran aim to control the vital waterway.

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It's clear that Iran, at least some people in Iran, want to control the straits and hold that as leverage against the world.

"It's clear that Iran, at least some people in Iran, want to control the straits and hold that as leverage against the world," Rubio said. He emphasized the United States' commitment to protecting global shipping but called for greater contributions from other nations, whether through financial aid or military hardware. "The United States will do and continue to do what it needs to, to protect global shipping, but other countries need to begin to step up and provide, whether it's hardware or finances, to help carry that burden," he added.

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The United States will do and continue to do what it needs to, to protect global shipping, but other countries need to begin to step up and provide, whether it's hardware or finances, to help carry that burden.

Rubio addressed the possibility of a diplomatic resolution, stating that while the U.S. is always open to diplomacy, any agreement must be genuine and adhered to. He noted that a previous fragile truce between Iran and the U.S. had collapsed following reported Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is critical, as it previously handled one-fifth of the global oil and gas supply. "They can't have an MOU that's alive if they're violating the terms of it," Rubio commented on the broken truce.

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I think we're always open to diplomacy. It has to be real. It has to be a deal that they're willing to live by.

Despite the escalating tensions, Rubio reiterated the U.S. stance on seeking a peaceful resolution. "What I will say is that the United States always remains open to a diplomatic solution. We've tried multiple times with Iran, and we'll continue to try," he concluded.

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They can't have an MOU that's alive if they're violating the terms of it.