Rubio: Strait of Hormuz to open 'one way or the other'

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on May 26 that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened 'one way or the other,' following U.S. military strikes in southern Iran on May 25. The strikes, described as self-defense actions, occurred as Iranian negotiators were in Doha discussing a potential deal to end the U.S.-Iran conflict. Rubio emphasized that Iran must remove restrictions on the strait, which Tehran has limited access to since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, triggering the war. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei defended the country’s navigational fees, stating they cover costs for services and environmental protection, though he denied they constituted a toll. Meanwhile, Iranian officials signaled skepticism about reaching an agreement, with Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, outlining U.S. demands before any deal could proceed. These included accepting Iranian control of the strait, lifting oil sanctions, ending the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, and halting all war fronts, including attacks in Lebanon. Rubio previously expressed confidence in the negotiations during a visit to India, suggesting President Donald Trump might announce progress, though he later clarified that an agreement remained uncertain. The U.S. seeks an initial deal where Iran lifts restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz before shifting to broader talks on ending the war and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Rubio criticized Iran’s alleged toll system, calling it unacceptable and insisting the strait must remain open and unimpeded. As tensions persist, Iranian officials appear reluctant to compromise, demanding concrete U.S. actions before resuming talks. The stalemate risks prolonging the conflict, with Rubio’s warning signaling potential escalation if Iran does not comply with U.S. demands on the strait. Gas prices have risen due to Iran’s restrictions, further straining global energy markets.