Iran is trying to use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage against the world, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, accusing Tehran of wanting to control the vital international waterway.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for the Philippines for a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers, Rubio said US military operations are solely aimed at countering Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and reducing Tehran's ability to threaten maritime traffic.
"It's clear that Iran, at least some people in Iran, want to control the strait and hold it as leverage against the world," Rubio said, according to Radio Free Europe.
He said that the United States of America (US) will do and continue to do what is necessary to protect global shipping, but other countries must begin to engage and help carry that burden.
Rubio said Washington cannot remain solely responsible for securing one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.
"It's not the job of the United States to protect shipping for the entire planet forever," Rubio said.
He said the current US military campaign is only targeting Iranian assets used to launch missiles and drones against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the waterway as an international passage that must remain open.
"The only reason the United States is carrying out strikes is against Iranian assets that are being used to attack global commercial shipping," Rubio said.
He said that US forces had successfully reduced Iran's ability to attack ships, adding that many attacks had been prevented before they happened.
Rubio, confirming that Washington remained open to negotiations, said that diplomacy would require a genuine change in Tehran's behavior.
He accused Iran of violating previous agreements by continuing to attack ships instead of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
"Their behavior must change in order for ours to change," Rubio stressed.
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