Marco Rubio indicated that diplomatic progress may soon emerge in negotiations involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear programme, as international pressure continues to build across the Middle East.
Speaking during a media briefing, Rubio stressed that the Strait of Hormuz remains an international waterway protected under international law and warned against threats to global commercial shipping routes.
“This is an international waterway,” Rubio said, arguing that any disruption to commercial vessels using the route would create dangerous global consequences and set a troubling international precedent.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important energy corridors, with roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Rubio also emphasized that President Donald Trump preferred a diplomatic solution rather than a prolonged regional confrontation.
“The president’s preference is to find a diplomatic way that these problems can be solved,” Rubio said, while adding that any future agreement would require “full Iranian acceptance and compliance.”
The US secretary of state suggested that positive developments could emerge “over the next few hours,” particularly regarding maritime security and broader diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Rubio concluded by saying the ultimate goal remained ensuring that “the world no longer has to be in fear or worry about an Iranian nuclear weapon.”
The remarks come as negotiations involving the United States, Iran and regional mediators continue amid growing hopes for a possible breakthrough agreement after weeks of military and political escalation.
Energy markets and global governments are closely monitoring developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz because any disruption to shipping traffic could significantly affect global oil prices and international trade.