Rubio: Iran uses Hormuz Strait for blackmail; U.S. continues strikes

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes Iran is leveraging the Strait of Hormuz for blackmail amidst the ongoing Middle East conflict. Speaking before his flight to the Philippines for a meeting with ASEAN foreign ministers, Rubio stated, "It is clear that Iran - or at least some people in Iran - have a desire to control the straits and use them as blackmail against the rest of the world."

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It is clear that Iran - or at least some people in Iran - have a desire to control the straits and use them as blackmail against the rest of the world.

Rubio emphasized the U.S. commitment to protecting global shipping but called for other countries to step up with equipment or funding. He also indicated that the U.S. is open to diplomatic solutions with Iran, according to Reuters.

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The U.S. will continue to do what is necessary to protect global shipping, but other countries need to start stepping up and contributing, whether it is with equipment or funding.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command reported executing strikes against Iranian military targets for the ninth consecutive night. These actions targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense and coastal surveillance facilities, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communication networks, as announced on social media platform X.

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Centcom units targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense and coastal surveillance facilities, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communication networks.

In a separate development, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have attacked U.S. military aircraft stationed at Aqaba airport in Jordan with ballistic missiles, causing significant damage. This statement comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing military exchanges in the region.

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The aircraft were hit with ballistic missiles, causing serious damage to a number of them.