US Secretary of State Comments on Resumption of Hormuz Strait Operations After Iran Removes Threat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Strait of Hormuz will resume operation once Iran ceases to pose threats to international vessels. Rubio said, “If Iran stops obstructing global shipping, this strait can reopen as soon as tomorrow.” Iran had previously decided to close the Strait of Hormuz to ships associated with the US and Israel, currently allowing passage only to vessels from Russia, China, India, Iraq, and Pakistan.

During a conversation with journalists on Thursday, Rubio reiterated, “If Iran stops impeding global shipping, the strait can open immediately.” However, when asked whether the US would carry out on-ground military operations to restore navigation in the area, he declined to provide a definitive answer.

Since February 28, an intense conflict has been ongoing in the Middle East following a military campaign initiated by the US and Israel against Iran. In response, Iran decided to close the Strait of Hormuz to ships affiliated with the US and Israel. Recently, Iran has reportedly permitted only ‘friendly’ nations’ vessels—such as those from Russia, China, India, Iraq, and Pakistan—to transit this route. Given that this maritime route handles a significant portion of the world’s oil supply, its closure has intensified the global energy crisis.