Trump Administration Speaks on Reopening Strait of Hormuz After Fresh Attacks on Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open following fresh US strikes on Iran.

Speaking to reporters while boarding his plane in Jaipur, India, on Tuesday, May 26, Rubio said the waterway was too important to global trade to be controlled or blocked by Iran.

“The straits have to be open. They’re going to be open one way or the other,” Rubio said.

He added that any attempt to impose tolls or restrictions on ships using the Strait of Hormuz was illegal and unacceptable.

“What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world,” Rubio stated.

Rubio said no country supports Iran’s reported attempts to control traffic through the strait.

“The Russians are not in favour of the tolling system. The Chinese are not in favour of the tolling system. No country in the world is in favour of the tolling system except the regime in Iran,” he said.

He insisted that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open without restrictions.

“That cannot happen. The straits need to be open, unimpeded, without tolls,” Rubio added.

Rubio Speaks on Possible Deal That Could Lead to Strait of Hormuz Reopening

Rubio also spoke about ongoing diplomatic talks involving the United States and countries in the Middle East.

He said US President Donald Trump recently held what he described as an “important” and “historic” call with regional leaders.

Also Read: Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate After Attack on French CMA CGM Vessel

According to Rubio, there is growing agreement on what a possible peace deal should look like, although negotiations are continuing.

“I think there’s strong alignment and agreement on what a preliminary draft should look like,” Rubio said.

However, he noted that disagreements remain and discussions could take several more days.

“If there’s going to be a deal, we’re going to have to work through that. But it’s either going to be a good deal or there isn’t going to be one,” he stated.

US Launches Fresh Strikes on Iran

Rubio’s remarks came a day after the United States launched strikes on targets in southern Iran.

According to the US Central Command, the attacks targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats that were allegedly trying to place mines in the region.

Also Read: Trump Announces US Operation to Rescue Stranded Ships in Strait of Hormuz

The US said the strikes were carried out in self-defence to protect American troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.

The latest attacks happened despite a ceasefire officially being in place between the US and Iran since April 8.

The conflict between the two countries escalated earlier this year after the US and Israel launched major strikes on Iran in February, triggering retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes, with about 20% of global oil and natural gas passing through the waterway.

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CMA CGM container ship pictured at sea after being hit in the Strait of Hormuz on May 5, 2026, an incident that left crew members injured and the vessel damaged during transit through the strategic waterway. PHOTO/ Reuters