By Hammad Kahlun
Scandinavian news Finland
Washington, D.C. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stark warning that Iran may seek long-term control over the Strait of Hormuz one of the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes and could impose transit fees on vessels passing through the waterway.
Rubio Raises Alarm Over Strait of Hormuz
Speaking on the matter, Secretary Rubio cautioned that Iran’s strategic ambitions in the Persian Gulf region pose a serious threat to global maritime freedom.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, serves as the passage point for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Rubio indicated that the United States cannot address the threat unilaterally and urged allied nations and international partners to take coordinated action to prevent Iranian dominance over the critical chokepoint.
What Iran’s Control Could Mean for Global Trade
If Iran were to assert permanent control over the Strait and enforce toll collection on shipping traffic, the economic consequences could be far-reaching. Energy markets, oil-importing nations, and global supply chains would all face significant disruption.
Control over the Strait of Hormuz has remained a recurring source of conflict between the United States and Iran for several decades.
Tehran has previously threatened to close the waterway during periods of escalating conflict, though it has never followed through.
Washington Seeks Multilateral Action
Rubio’s call for international involvement signals a shift in tone from Washington, acknowledging the limits of U.S. leverage in the region without broader coalition support. No specific multilateral mechanism or timeline was outlined in his remarks.
The Trump administration has maintained a policy of maximum pressure on Iran, including sanctions targeting its oil exports and nuclear program. However, Iran’s continued influence over Gulf shipping routes remains a persistent strategic challenge.
Background: U.S.-Iran Tensions Over Gulf Waterways
Tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Persian Gulf have intensified in recent years. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has previously seized commercial vessels and conducted naval exercises near the Strait, raising concerns among U.S. allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.
The international community, including European powers and Asian energy importers heavily dependent on Gulf oil, has a shared stake in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and free from unilateral control.
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