In a high-stakes geopolitical standoff, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stern warning to Iran over its reported plan to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, calling the move “economic suicide.” The warning comes in the wake of recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, a development that has dramatically escalated tensions in the region.
Appearing on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Rubio didn’t mince words. “If Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, it won’t just hurt them—it will disrupt global oil markets and inflict economic harm far beyond their borders,” he said.
Rubio also urged Beijing to play a stabilizing role, given China’s heavy reliance on oil passing through the strait. “I encourage the Chinese government to pick up the phone. They depend on that route as much as anyone else,” he added.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, is one of the most critical chokepoints in the global energy supply chain. Nearly 20% of the world’s oil flows through it every day. A closure would not only spike global oil prices but also disrupt energy supplies for major economies, especially in Asia.
Tensions further escalated when Sardar Esmail Kowsari, a high-ranking Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander and a sitting MP, confirmed to local media that Tehran is seriously contemplating the move. “Closing the Strait is under serious consideration,” Kowsari reportedly said. “Our military response was just the beginning; more actions may follow.”
Rubio emphasized that any such drastic step would be met with serious consequences, not just from the U.S. but potentially from other affected nations as well. “It would be a significant escalation,” he said, “and we retain the right to respond accordingly.”
As the world watches the Persian Gulf with growing anxiety, diplomatic channels may be the last hope to prevent a global energy shock and a wider conflict.
