Rubio: Allies need 'Plan B' if Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz closed

US Senator Marco Rubio has articulated a critical need for a "Plan B" should Iran continue to obstruct passage through the Strait of Hormuz. "We would all like to see an agreement with Iran under which the strait remains open," Rubio stated, but he emphasized the necessity of contingency planning. "But we also need to have Plan B, and Plan B is this: what if Iran decides not to open the strait? What if Iran decides that we refuse to open the strait, it becomes our property and we start charging fees? Well, then something must be done."

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We would all like to see an agreement with Iran under which the strait remains open. But we also need to have Plan B, and Plan B is this: what if Iran decides not to open the strait? What if Iran decides that we refuse to open the strait, it becomes our property and we start charging fees? Well, then something must be done.

Rubio revealed that he presented this concern during NATO negotiations, where it garnered significant support from allies. "I raised this issue today. Many people nodded in agreement, many people later approached me and confirmed it, but today we have no announcement for you about anything happening," he told reporters. The US diplomat noted that an international coalition led by France and the United Kingdom is already preparing a potential maritime mission to ensure safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on a ceasefire agreement.

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I raised this issue today. Many people nodded in agreement, many people later approached me and confirmed it, but today we have no announcement for you about anything happening.

"But we need to have Plan B if someone starts shooting. How to reopen the strait?" Rubio questioned, adding, "I don't know if this would necessarily be a NATO mission, but NATO countries could certainly contribute to it." As global oil prices surge, ensuring passage through the Strait of Hormuz has become a major hurdle in the stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Since the United States and Israel initiated conflict with Iran nearly three months ago, Tehran has effectively rendered this strategically vital waterway impassable through threats and attacks on tankers and cargo ships. In response, the US has imposed its own blockade on vessels heading to or from Iranian ports.

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But we need to have Plan B if someone starts shooting. How to reopen the strait? I don't know if this would necessarily be a NATO mission, but NATO countries could certainly contribute to it.