MANILA: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday warned that allowing Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz would create a dangerous international precedent, saying such a move would undermine the principle of freedom of navigation and could encourage similar actions in other parts of the world.
Speaking at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila, Rubio said no country should be permitted to dominate an international maritime route, impose charges on commercial vessels or threaten shipping.
He cautioned that any attempt by Iran to assert control over the strategically important waterway would have consequences extending far beyond the Middle East.
“If a nation is allowed to control an international waterway, demand payment from passing ships and threaten those that refuse, it would establish a dangerous precedent that could be repeated elsewhere, including in this region,” Rubio told the gathering.
He stressed that Iran had no recognised legal authority to regulate or control international transit through the Strait of Hormuz, describing freedom of navigation as a fundamental principle of international law that must be protected.
“The right to free and secure passage through international waterways cannot be compromised,” he said, adding that such a development must not be allowed.
Rubio’s remarks came as the US military said its forces had carried out strikes against military targets in Iran for an 11th consecutive night on Wednesday.
According to US Central Command, the operations are aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes.
Rubio arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday, shortly after Washington condemned a recent confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.
On the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings, the US secretary of state is expected to hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as well as meetings with counterparts from fellow Quad members India, Australia and Japan.
Addressing relations with Tehran, Rubio said Washington continued to support a diplomatic solution but questioned Iran’s willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations.
He said the United States remained ready for constructive dialogue if Iran honoured its commitments, but warned that Washington would act to safeguard its national interests and those of its allies if Tehran failed to negotiate in good faith.
“We are prepared for serious negotiations if Iran is equally committed,” Rubio said. “If not, we will take the necessary steps to protect our interests and those of our partners.”
