Key facts
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous global precedent.
- Rubio stated that international waterways are not the property of any nation and charging tolls for their use is unacceptable.
- The U.S. military has conducted 11 consecutive nights of strikes against Iran.
- Oil prices rose over 2% following threats from Iran-aligned Houthis against shipping in the Red Sea.
- President Donald Trump confirmed 18 U.S. service members have been killed in the conflict.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz would establish a dangerous global precedent, emphasizing that international waterways are not the property of any single nation and that charging tolls for their use is unacceptable. Rubio made these remarks in Manila during a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers, drawing parallels to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
His comments come amidst escalating conflict in the Middle East. The U.S. military has conducted 11 consecutive nights of strikes across Iran, with explosions reported in several cities. Iran has also targeted U.S. military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, and a tanker was reportedly hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed to have struck Amazon infrastructure in Bahrain.
Regional tensions have been further heightened by threats from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Three oil tankers carrying Saudi crude reversed course in the Red Sea following Houthi warnings against ships loading or discharging Saudi oil. The Houthis have also announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. President Donald Trump confirmed that 18 U.S. service members have been killed in the conflict and threatened further strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Oil prices saw a further increase in Asian trade, climbing over 2% on Tuesday. The conflict has disrupted critical energy chokepoints, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Despite the ongoing hostilities, diplomatic efforts continue, with Iran reportedly receiving a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire and its Interior Minister visiting Pakistan to seek continued mediation.