U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells Southeast Asian leaders that the United States will not allow Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such control would set a “dangerous precedent.” Speaking to ASEAN foreign ministers in Manila, Rubio says freedom of navigation is a core principle and that allowing a state to control an international waterway, charge tolls, and threaten commercial shipping would risk destabilizing global sea lanes beyond the Middle East.
Multiple outlets report Rubio’s argument centers on the idea that precedent could be repeated in other regions. One source also notes the potential economic impact on trade through the strait, citing figures for oil and LNG volumes transiting in 2025.
In parallel, at least one report references U.S. Central Command activity described as ongoing strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities, framed as aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the waterway. Other coverage highlights the wider context of regional maritime disputes and the importance of the Strait of Hormuz to international commerce.
