US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Wednesday that Iran’s attempt to control transit through the Strait of Hormuz could set a precedent that threatens other regions, including Southeast Asia.
‘If we allow Iran to dictate passage in Hormuz, we create a dangerous precedent that could spread to other regions, including here in Southeast Asia,’ Rubio told Asean ministers during the opening of the Asean Post Ministerial Conference.
Rubio warned that allowing Iran to set rules in Hormuz could embolden similar actions elsewhere, including Asia’s strategic waterways.
‘Of all the regions in the world, the one I don’t need to teach about the importance of freedom of navigation in international waterways, it is this region,’ he added.
Although Rubio did not directly mention them, Southeast Asia’s most critical waterways include the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca, both vital to global shipping and regional security.
Asean’s call for ceasefire
His remarks came a day after Asean foreign ministers issued a joint statement urging both the US and Iran to implement a ‘complete and immediate ceasefire.’
Rubio justified Washington’s withdrawal from initial ceasefire talks, saying Tehran’s demand to toll or block ships in Hormuz violates international law and undermines freedom of navigation.
‘Iran’s actions risk holding 20 percent of the world’s energy supply hostage,’ Rubio said. ‘If they’re serious, we’re serious. If they’re not, then we will do what is necessary to protect our interests and those of our allies.’
US military context
Rubio’s comments coincided with US Central Command strikes on Iranian targets for the 11th consecutive night, aimed at degrading Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz handles one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments. Most Asean states import crude and refined products from the Gulf, with limited reserves and refining capacity.
Rubio affirmed the US commitment to Asean, pledging long-term partnership through strategic investments, energy cooperation, and security assistance.
‘The United States stands with Asean,’ he said. ‘We will be your reliable and durable partner for the next 50 years and beyond.’