US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in the ongoing Middle East conflict, adding that other countries needed to step up pressure to protect global shipping.
“It’s clear that Iran, at least some people in Iran, want to control the straits and hold that as leverage against the world,” Rubio tells reporters before traveling to the Philippines for a meeting of foreign ministers with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“The United States will do and continue to do what it needs to, to protect global shipping, but other countries need to begin to step up and provide, whether it’s hardware or finances, to help carry that burden,” he continues.
He also says the US remains open to a diplomatic solution with Iran.
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