US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz “has to be open” after fresh American strikes targeted Iranian missile sites and boats near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, even as negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue in Qatar.
Speaking to reporters aboard his plane in Jaipur during his India visit, Rubio indicated that discussions with Iran were still active despite rising tensions in the region.
“The straits have to be open. They’re going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open. What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
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His remarks came after the US launched what it described as “self-defence strikes” on Iranian targets on Monday. According to US Central Command, the attacks were aimed at missile launch sites and boats allegedly attempting to place mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Talks continue despite escalation
Rubio said diplomatic efforts had not collapsed and confirmed that negotiations were still underway in Doha.
“There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress. I think it’s a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it’ll take a few days.”
The latest developments unfolded as senior Iranian negotiators arrived in the Qatari capital for another round of discussions focused on ending the months-long conflict in West Asia. The talks are also linked to efforts to restore movement through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
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Explosions reported near Bandar Abbas
US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins confirmed the military action in a statement.
“US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.”
The statement added that the targets included missile launch facilities and boats trying to “emplace mines”.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported multiple explosions near Bandar Abbas around midnight local time. However, it said normal activity continued in the port city and authorities were examining the cause of the blasts.
The renewed military action has once again raised concerns over stability in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy exports.
