Rubio says U.S. will keep straits open, hardening standoff with Iran
Iran's security chief says the Strait of Hormuz stays closed until Washington meets Tehran's conditions
Published
Map: The Gulf and Hormuz, marking Strait of Hormuz
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States understands the Strait of Hormuz is a live issue and will continue to defend and hold open straits, referring to Iran.
His comment sets Washington directly against the position of Ali Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, who has said the strait stays shut until Washington meets Iran's conditions and has ruled out negotiations. Iran's security council has also tied any reopening to a four to five day deadline for Washington.
The standoff is not one-sided. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff have been discussing terms for reopening the strait even as Rezaei rules out talks. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Iran believes in diplomacy but is not afraid of a fight, and has said the strait cannot be used to move weapons against Iran, linking access to Tehran's security demands.
Rubio's pledge to keep the waterway open runs against Rezaei's stated condition that it stays closed until Tehran's demands are met. With both sides hardening their positions and no path toward de-escalation on offer, the risk of an accidental clash rises, and with it the near-term risk premium on energy and shipping.