US Accuses Iran of Using Strait of Hormuz as Bargaining Chip

The United States has accused Iran of attempting to use the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “It is very clear that Iran, or at least some elements within the country, wants to control the Strait of Hormuz and use it as a pressure tool against the world,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters before departing for the Philippines to attend an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on Sunday. Rubio assessed that certain parties in Iran wish to leverage control over the strategic shipping lane as a tool of influence over the international community. He said the United States would continue to take necessary steps to maintain the security of global shipping. However, according to Rubio, other nations must also contribute, whether through financial support or military capability. “The United States will continue to do what is necessary to protect global shipping, but other countries must also step up their contributions, whether in the form of equipment or financial support, to help shoulder that responsibility,” he stated. Nevertheless, Rubio noted that Washington remains open to reaching a diplomatic resolution with Iran. He warned, however, that if the diplomatic path fails, the situation would not be favourable for Tehran. According to Rubio, the Iranian government has signalled that it wishes to resume dialogue with the United States. Regarding the death of a US soldier in Iraq on Saturday, Rubio said the incident was an accident during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone. Rubio also stated that one Iranian missile managed to penetrate Jordan’s air defence system on Friday, although most other missiles were intercepted. He added that US forces launched strikes against Iran in response to the launch of missiles and drones that Washington claims were targeting commercial vessels.