đź“·: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned Wednesday that Iran’s bid to control traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could set a precedent threatening global maritime security, including in Southeast Asia.
Addressing the ASEAN Post‑Ministerial Conference with the United States, Rubio said Tehran was seeking authority beyond international law to regulate passage through the strategic waterway. He underscored Southeast Asia’s reliance on open sea lanes for trade and energy.
“If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation‑state can decide that they’re gonna control an international waterway, charge a toll, if you don’t pay them they will blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent which will repeat itself in other parts of the world including in this region,” Rubio warned.
The meeting, held alongside the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, came as tensions between Washington and Tehran raised concerns over energy supplies and global oil prices. ASEAN ministers on Tuesday voiced “serious concern,” urging restraint and safe passage through Hormuz.
Rubio accused Iran of breaking commitments and said Washington would act to defend US and allied interests. He pledged cooperation with ASEAN to address energy risks.
Rubio also met Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro Tuesday night, praising Manila’s hosting of the ASEAN meetings. “We’ve fallen in love with your country… it’s so much fun to visit as Secretary of State,” he said. # (ZIA LUNA)
