Rubio says Strait of Hormuz must openStrait of Hormuz must open after U.S. strikes Iran
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz must remain open after U.S. strikes on Iran, speaking on Tuesday as concerns grew over regional trade flows and security.
He warned that the waterway would open “one way or the other,” underscoring how pressure around the strait can affect global energy supplies and wider confrontation in the Gulf.
U.S. Position
Rubio framed the Strait of Hormuz as a route that should not be blocked, even after U.S. strikes on Iran. He cast the issue as one of international shipping and regional stability, not only a dispute with Tehran.
Iranian Perspective
Iran has long treated the strait as leverage in any clash with the United States or its partners. From that view, pressure on the waterway can serve as a response to military action and sanctions.
- The strait is only about 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest point.
- Oman sits on the southern side of the strait and often acts as a quiet regional mediator.
- A large share of the world’s liquefied natural gas also passes through this route.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
