WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Iran of committing a crime in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that no single country should dominate the strategically important international waterway.
Speaking during a press conference held in Washington, Rubio expressed concern for the welfare of sailors trapped on board ships in the Strait. The US official pointed out that there are 23,000 people stranded in the Persian Gulf, who would benefit from President Trump’s Project Freedom aimed at guaranteeing their safety when passing through the region.
“The project is a very necessary one that needs to be accomplished to restore the Strait of Hormuz back to its original state. This is an international route and no country can claim it,” Rubio declared.
The US Secretary of State assured that this project is not meant to make any attacks but to maintain peace. He added that Iranian ships obstructing commercial ships cannot be permitted to commit crimes.
Rubio also mentioned Operation Economic Epic Fury, stating that pressure on Iran will continue, and US sanctions have inflicted significant financial losses on Tehran. “No country will be allowed to impose a toll in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
He called on Iran to comply with international demands, describing the regime as fully defeated and urging it to make decisions in the best interest of its people. Rubio emphasized that while no formal agreement has been reached yet, diplomatic solutions are a priority, and the US team is actively working toward them.
“President Trump is concerned for the Iranian people, who have suffered under decades of oppressive rule. Our goal is to ensure that citizens have the capacity to challenge the regime,” Rubio concluded.
Iran introduces new system to regulate ship traffic in Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, Iran has introduced a new system to manage the movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing tensions with the United States.
According to reports from Iranian state media, ships wishing to pass through the strategic waterway will now receive instructions via an email address linked to the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, outlining the rules and regulations for transit.
Vessels will be required to comply with these regulations before being granted passage. The move comes as Iran tightens its control over maritime traffic in the Strait, a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Tensions in the region have escalated since February 28, when conflicts between the United States and Israel heightened security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has imposed strict navigation restrictions, creating uncertainty and conflicting measures for commercial shipping in the area.
This latest development reflects Tehran’s intent to assert authority over one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes while navigating mounting international pressure.
