Singapore Warns Iran Control of Hormuz Threatens Global Navigation

Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan warned that allowing Iran to control traffic or charge tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would grant Tehran a strategic veto right over the waterway, providing leverage potentially greater than a nuclear weapon. Speaking at the Milken Institute's Asia Summit, Balakrishnan described the maintenance of freedom of navigation as a non-negotiable existential issue for Singapore based on international law.

Balakrishnan acknowledged that U.S. President Donald Trump is not completely wrong in asserting that energy disruptions in the strait primarily impact Asian economies, as Asian nations are the largest customers of the energy shipped through the chokepoint. However, he emphasized that the principle of open navigation remains paramount.

Predicting continued instability, Balakrishnan stated he sees no quick diplomatic off-ramp to the conflict and expects a period of pushing and shoving in the coming months.