The US Secretary of State said Tehran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz were destabilising global trade routes, escalating maritime tensions and adding pressure on already volatile energy markets.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday accused Iran of “illegally, unlawfully and criminally” attempting to control the Strait of Hormuz, blaming Tehran for rising global oil prices and worsening energy instability across multiple regions.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with CNN-News18 during his four-day visit to India, Rubio said Iran’s actions in the strategic Gulf waterway were threatening international shipping and disrupting global energy markets.
“The reason why oil prices are going up, the reason why there’s energy shortage in parts of the world, is because Iran has decided to illegally, unlawfully, and criminally try to take control of the Straits of Hormuz,” Rubio said.
He alleged that Tehran was threatening commercial vessels passing through the route and attempting to impose toll-like conditions on international shipping.
“Iran threatens to sink commercial ships that do not pay them the toll and comply with their instructions. This is a total violation and is not allowed under any law,” Rubio said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant portion of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Tensions in the region have triggered volatility in international energy markets in recent weeks.
Rubio also referred to ongoing negotiations with Iran aimed at ending the conflict that escalated earlier this year, while acknowledging the complexity of engaging with Tehran’s leadership.
“As far as negotiations are concerned, it is not easy to negotiate with Iran. It is a fractured system led by radical clerics,” he said.
Despite the sharp criticism, the US Secretary of State said Washington still preferred diplomacy over military escalation and remained engaged in negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional tensions.
“We would prefer negotiations to reach a peaceful end. More important is the nuclear threat from Iran. We would prefer that to be addressed through negotiations,” Rubio stated.
He added that discussions were still ongoing and stressed that President Donald Trump remained determined to resolve the issue one way or another.
“The President is clear that the status quo will not remain one way or the other; we are going to address it,” Rubio said.
Rubio also highlighted growing strategic convergence between India and the United States, saying both countries shared “very common beliefs” on regional stability, security and global trade routes.
First Published:
May 23, 2026, 19:35 IST
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