Marco Rubio Warns Against Iranian Control of Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Southeast Asian foreign ministers at an ASEAN gathering in Manila that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz would create a dangerous global precedent. Rubio asserted that Iran lacks the legal right to control transit in the waterway and stated that the principle of freedom of navigation is currently under threat.

These diplomatic warnings coincide with a military campaign by the United States Central Command, which has conducted strikes against military targets in Iran for 11 consecutive nights. The operation aims to degrade Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping in the region.

While Rubio maintained that the United States remains open to constructive negotiations, he claimed that Tehran is not taking the discussions seriously. He warned that the U.S. will take necessary actions to protect its interests and its allies.