U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent for global maritime traffic. Rubio stressed that no nation has the right to obstruct international waterways or attack vessels. Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command continues its military operations aimed at weakening Iran’s capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz. (6th of Shrawan, Manila, RASAS/AFP)
Rubio cautioned that if Iran manages to establish control over the Strait of Hormuz, it would pose a hazardous precedent not only for the Middle East but also for other strategic maritime routes worldwide. Speaking at a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Manila, Rubio emphasized that no country is entitled to control international waterways, levy fees, or attack ships that refuse to comply.
According to reports, Rubio stated that accepting such a practice would undermine international maritime law and the fundamental principle of free navigation. Although Iran claims the right to regulate transit through the Strait of Hormuz, no existing international legal framework recognizes this claim. Rubio highlighted that freedom of navigation is a core principle of the international order and non-negotiable.
Rubio’s remarks came shortly after the U.S. Central Command announced it had conducted 11 consecutive nights of strikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. The U.S. military aims to diminish Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. His comments were also seen as significant in the context of ongoing maritime disputes between China and some ASEAN member states in the South China Sea. Prior to Rubio’s arrival in Manila, the U.S. criticized a recent clash in disputed waters between Philippine and Chinese vessels.
