Rubio Says Iran Seeking to Use Strait of Hormuz as Leverage Against World

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is seeking to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage amid regional tensions while Washington remains open to diplomacy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is attempting to use the Strait of Hormuz as a pressure tool against the international community amid rising tensions in the Middle East, while maintaining that Washington remains open to diplomatic engagement. Speaking on Sunday, Rubio said Tehran was seeking greater influence over the strategic waterway and using its importance to global trade as leverage. “The United States will do what is necessary to protect global shipping,” Rubio said, adding that other countries should also contribute to securing the waterway through military support or financial resources. The US secretary of state said Washington was prepared to pursue a diplomatic path with Iran, but warned that failing to reach an agreement would not serve Tehran’s interests. Rubio also said Iran had sent signals suggesting it may be interested in talks with the United States, though he did not provide details about the reported communications. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, with a large share of global oil and energy shipments passing through the waterway. The comments came as tensions between Washington and Tehran remained elevated following recent military exchanges and disputes over maritime security in the Gulf region. Iranian officials have not immediately responded to Rubio’s remarks, according to the information available at the time of publication. The Strait of Hormuz has long been a focal point in regional tensions because of its importance to global energy markets. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could affect oil supplies, increase prices and create wider economic concerns. The United States and Iran have faced decades of disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, regional influence and military activities, with diplomatic efforts repeatedly interrupted by periods of escalation. The post Rubio Says Iran Seeking to Use Strait of Hormuz as Leverage Against World appeared first on Khaama Press.