US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz as a leverage point in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Rubio emphasized the need for other countries to step up and assist in protecting global shipping. Speaking ahead of his travel to the Philippines for an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, Rubio stated, 'It's clear that Iran, at least some people in Iran, want to control the straits and hold that as leverage against the world.'
Call for International Action
Rubio highlighted that while the United States is committed to safeguarding global shipping, other nations must contribute more, whether through providing hardware or financial support. '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 said.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Despite the breakdown of a fragile truce following reported Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio remains open to diplomatic solutions. '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,' he noted. Rubio stressed that a diplomatic solution must be honored by all parties involved. 'They can't have an MOU that's alive if they're violating the terms of it.'
