Rubio Warns US Ready to Reopen Strait of Hormuz “By Any Means Necessary”

The top US diplomat made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking to journalists in the Indian city of Jaipur during his ongoing visit to India.

“The Strait of Hormuz must be reopened. No matter what it takes, this waterway will be opened, because keeping it operational is critically important,” Rubio said.

Referring to Iran’s blockade in the vital Persian Gulf shipping route, he added, “What is happening there right now is completely illegal, illegitimate, and unacceptable for the stability of the global economy.”

Tensions in the region escalated after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz in February in response to joint US-Israeli military strikes. The move triggered a sharp rise in global oil prices, as the waterway is considered one of the world’s most important trade and energy transit routes.

Although a temporary ceasefire had been in place since April 8, the situation intensified again on Monday after US forces reportedly launched fresh strikes targeting missile facilities in southern Iran.

Rubio’s latest comments have further raised concerns about the future of both the ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East.