Why does Secretary of State Marco Rubio say the US cannot accept Iran's proposal to 'reopen' the Strait of Hormuz?

Rubio stated that the US cannot tolerate Iran retaining control over who may use the Strait of Hormuz or imposing tolls, emphasizing that 'if what they mean by opening the straits is, “yes, the straits are opened, as long as you coordinate with Iran, get our permission, or we will blow you up and you pay us,” — that’s not opening the straits.' He stressed that Iran must not be allowed to normalize a system where it unilaterally decides access to and pricing for an international waterway.

What is the current status of the Strait of Hormuz and why is its closure significant?

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the US and Israel attacked Tehran at the end of February; although Iranian threats first closed it, the US is now also enforcing a naval blockade against Iran-linked ships. The strait normally carries one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports, and its closure has caused global energy prices to soar, making it a major sticking point in US-Iran negotiations mediated by Pakistan.

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Apr 27, 2026

Rubio declares US rejection of Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for 20% of global oil and LNG exports. The resulting blockade has spiked energy prices amid stalled negotiations.

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US Cannot Accept Iran Retaining Control of Hormuz, Rubio Says

FAQ