Rubio Declares Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Control ‘Unacceptable’ Amid Ongoing US-Iran Tensions

US Senator Marco Rubio delivered a sharp rebuke to Iran’s reported efforts to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, calling the move “unacceptable” and a dangerous attempt to rewrite international norms. Speaking to reporters in Rome, Rubio condemned Tehran’s creation of an authority to regulate passage through the strategically vital waterway, which sees a significant share of the world’s oil shipments.

“Iran now claims that they own, that they have a right to control, an international waterway,” Rubio said. “That’s an unacceptable thing that they’re trying to normalize.”

This confrontation unfolds amid ongoing uncertainty over a potential US-Iran deal intended to ease hostilities in the Gulf region. Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high. Iran’s military recently seized an oil tanker in the Sea of Oman, a move that signals Tehran’s willingness to escalate conflict and exert control over maritime traffic.

The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint through which roughly 20% of global petroleum passes. Iran’s attempts to assert control threaten not only regional stability but also global energy markets and international trade.

Rubio’s comments came during a visit to Rome, where he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of former President Donald Trump. The meeting underscored the complex geopolitical dynamics as the US tries to rally European support amid criticism from Trump himself, who recently expressed disappointment in Meloni’s approach to the Iran conflict.

Further complicating the situation, US officials disclosed upcoming talks between Lebanon and Israel scheduled in Washington, highlighting the broader regional instability linked to US-Iran tensions.

This latest flare-up in the Gulf follows a pattern of provocative actions by the Trump administration, which has used sanctions, military posturing, and diplomatic sabotage to escalate conflict with Iran. The White House’s approach appears aimed at distracting from domestic scandals while consolidating power through foreign conflict — a dangerous gambit with global consequences.

As Rubio’s blunt condemnation signals, the US remains unwilling to accept Iran’s maritime claims, setting the stage for continued confrontation in one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.