American Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Southeast Asian foreign ministers that Iranian attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz could establish a dangerous global precedent with consequences extending far beyond the Middle East.
Speaking to diplomats at a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila, Marco Rubio warned that allowing unilateral control over strategic maritime passages risks destabilising international trade routes elsewhere.
The diplomatic address coincided with an announcement from United States Central Command confirming that American forces had launched strikes against Iranian military targets for an 11th consecutive night.
Military officials stated the air operations aimed to weaken the capacity of Tehran to target commercial vessels navigating the vital waterway.
Addressing regional envoys, Marco Rubio warned that permitting any state to arbitrarily manage an international maritime corridor or enforce illegal tolls creates global vulnerabilities that could easily recur in other strategic regions, including Southeast Asia.
The secretary of state emphasised that international law provides no mechanism for Iran to restrict commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Marco Rubio described the protection of freedom of navigation as a fundamental global principle that must be defended.
The security warnings resonated strongly among attending ministers, as Southeast Asian nations continue to manage competing territorial claims in the South China Sea, another crucial international shipping channel.
The arrival of the American delegation in the Philippines followed criticism from Washington regarding a recent maritime confrontation between Chinese and Philippine naval personnel in disputed waters.
While in Manila, Marco Rubio will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and hold bilateral discussions with diplomatic partners from Australia, India, and Japan.
Addressing potential diplomatic outcomes, Marco Rubio reiterated that the United States remains open to constructive discussions with Tehran, provided the Iranian government honours its diplomatic commitments.
However, the secretary of state noted that current negotiations lack seriousness from the Iranian side, adding that Washington will take necessary actions to safeguard international shipping and regional allies.
