08/05/2026
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08/05/2026
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ROME, May 8: The United States has warned that it will not accept any attempt by Iran to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioning that such a move would set a dangerous global precedent.
Speaking on Friday, Rubio said the international community must decide whether it is prepared to “normalize” Iran’s claims over one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
“Iran now claims that they have a right to control an international waterway,” Rubio said. “The world is going to have to decide whether it is prepared to normalize that.”
He added that Washington is pursuing a diplomatic solution and is working with partners on a potential UN Security Council resolution aimed at preventing Iran from controlling or mining the strategic strait.
Rubio also stressed that stronger action may be required. “If the answer is no, we don’t want to normalize it, then you need more than strongly worded statements to back it up,” he said.
Amid rising tensions, Rubio warned that the United States would respond forcefully to any threats against its naval forces in the region. He said US forces would take decisive action if American ships were targeted or approached aggressively.
“If you fire on a US Navy ship, of course we will respond,” Rubio said, referring to recent clashes between US and Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz.
He noted that such defensive responses are separate from “Operation Epic Fury,” which he described as an ongoing campaign targeting Iran’s military infrastructure, including missile launchers, naval assets, air force capabilities, and defence-related facilities.
Rubio also said humanitarian aid shipments remain stranded inside the Gulf due to the deteriorating security situation around the waterway.
On the diplomatic front, the US expects a response from Iran to a recent proposal later on Friday. “We should receive Iran’s response today,” Rubio said during a visit to Italy, adding that Washington hopes it will lead to serious negotiations.
Separately, US Central Command said American forces are currently preventing more than 70 tankers from entering or leaving Iranian ports, as part of efforts to curb Tehran’s oil exports.
According to CENTCOM, the vessels involved have the capacity to carry more than 166 million barrels of oil, with an estimated value exceeding $13 billion.
