Rubio Rejects Iran's Claim of Control Over Strait of Hormuz
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WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday rejected Iran's assertion that it can control access to the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing claims that passage through the critical waterway is contingent on coordination and payment.
Speaking on Fox News, Rubio addressed recent statements from Tehran suggesting that the Islamic Republic holds authority over the narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. He characterized the Iranian position as a violation of international law, emphasizing that the strait remains an international waterway open to all nations.
"International waterways cannot be controlled by Iran," Rubio stated. "The idea that they can impose fees or require coordination for passage is fundamentally incorrect and unacceptable to the United States and the global community."
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies, with approximately 20 million barrels of oil passing through the waterway daily. Any disruption to traffic in the region has the potential to trigger significant economic repercussions worldwide.
Iran has long maintained that it possesses sovereign rights over the strait, citing its proximity to Iranian territory. Tehran has occasionally threatened to close the waterway in response to international sanctions or military tensions, though it has not enacted such a blockade in recent years.
Rubio's comments come amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. has consistently opposed any attempt by Iran to leverage the strait for political or economic gain, arguing that freedom of navigation is a cornerstone of international maritime law.
The Secretary of State did not specify whether the U.S. is preparing new measures to counter Iranian claims or if military assets are being repositioned in the region. However, his firm language suggests a readiness to challenge any actions that threaten the free flow of commerce through the strait.
Iranian officials have not yet responded to Rubio's remarks. The situation remains fluid, with observers monitoring whether Tehran will escalate its rhetoric or take concrete steps to assert control over the waterway.
The dispute underscores the ongoing geopolitical friction in the Middle East, where competing national interests continue to shape regional stability. As global markets watch closely, the question remains whether diplomatic channels can prevent further escalation or if the region faces renewed uncertainty over one of the world's most critical shipping lanes.