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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Iran’s claim to establish control over the Strait of Hormuz and collect tolls from vessels navigating through it would set an extremely dangerous precedent for the global economy and the freedom of international navigation.
He added that if a precedent were to be set in the Middle East where a state takes an international waterway under its control, collects tolls, and threatens to attack ships for non-payment, then similar situations could arise in other critical maritime routes across the world in the future.
Rubio’s comments come amid heightened international concern over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, stemming from the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Instability in the strait has created uncertainty in global energy supplies and the oil market.
Leaders from various countries worldwide have expressed deep concern over a potential global energy crisis resulting from escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. According to analysts, given that a significant portion of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) is transported through this strait, any disruption there could have a major impact on international trade and energy markets.