Rubio Warns Against Iran Controlling Strait of Hormuz, Calls It a ‘Dangerous Precedent’

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, said that if Iran is allowed to control or impose tolls on ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz it sets a “dangerous precedent” that has ramifications for international maritime security. In his time at the forum, Rubio indicated that such actions would violate the principle of free navigation, and might lead to other disputes over sea based navigation in other important waterways of the region.

Rubio in his speech made the point that allowing any single nation to police an international shipping channel will have repercussions beyond the Middle East. He singled out the South China Sea pressuring for restrictions in the Gulf, which, he said, “may encourage the entry of similar moves in the Indo-Pacific region.

His comments then come as the U.S. Central Command continues military strikes against Iranian coastal surveillance systems, missile launch sites and air defence systems. The efforts are being directed against threats to commercial vessels transiting the world’s busiest maritime chokepoint, Strait of Hormuz.

During the ASEAN session, Rubio also strengthened the engagement between their Indo-Pacific allies and the United States. He held talks with Quad partners Australia, India, Japan and external affairs minister S. Jaishankar to discuss maritime security, stability in the region and resilient global supply chains.

The Strait of Hormuz is still crucial to the world’s energy supply, and approximately 20% of the world’s oil travels through the waters. Any disruptions may raise the shipping costs, escalate marine insurance costs and affect energy exports from the Gulf countries such as UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Rubio’s statement comes as geopolitical tensions persist today and the world keeps an eye on safeguarding freedom of navigation and the continued safety of key maritime and shipping interests.

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