US warns Iran over Strait of Hormuz, says global energy at greater risk

By Favour Ulebor

WASHINGTON — The United States has warned that Iran’s threats to control the Strait of Hormuz pose a far greater risk to global energy security than to U.S. energy supplies.

In a Monday statement from the U.S. Department of State, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the country’s operations in the region remain focused on dismantling Iran’s military capabilities, including air and naval forces, missile launchers, and weapons production infrastructure.

Rubio said the campaign, launched earlier this month, has made significant progress in weakening Iran’s missile and drone capabilities and is ahead of schedule.

“They have more at stake there than we do. We get very little of our energy in this country coming through the Straits of Hormuz. The rest of the world gets a lot more,” Rubio said, emphasizing that the U.S. will not allow Iran to restrict access to the critical international waterway.

While military pressure continues, diplomatic efforts are also ongoing. Rubio noted that discussions with some Iranian figures show potential for a more cooperative approach, though these negotiators have yet to demonstrate sufficient authority to implement agreements.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that Washington is committed to ensuring free navigation through the strait, whether through U.S. or multinational escorts. Speaking on Fox News, he said ship traffic is gradually resuming, with 10 vessels passing on Sunday and 20 more on Monday.

Bessent also outlined measures to stabilize global energy markets amid the disruption, including the largest-ever release from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve and a coordinated International Energy Agency effort releasing 400 million barrels—about 4 million barrels per day—into the market. Temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian and Iranian crude already on ships has also eased supply pressures, with no additional funds going to either regime.

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