Strait of Hormuz will reopen ‘one way or another’, warns Marco Rubio

Marco Rubio

• Strait of Hormuz will reopen after US-Iran conflict ends
• US aims to degrade Iran's military and missile capabilities
• Uncertainty remains over Iran's leadership and decision-making

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Marco Rubio has said the Strait of Hormuz will “reopen one way or another” after the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran comes to an end.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Rubio said the key shipping route would either reopen if Iran complies with international law or through coordinated action by a coalition of nations, including the US.

“The Strait of Hormuz will be open when this operation is over… one way or another,” he said, warning of “real consequences” if Tehran continues to block the waterway.

US outlines clear war objectives

Rubio said Washington’s objectives in the conflict remain “clear”, including degrading Iran’s military capabilities and reducing its missile and drone arsenal.

He claimed that significant damage had already been inflicted on Iran’s air force and navy, and that efforts to cut down its missile launch capacity were well underway. He also expressed confidence that the conflict could be concluded within weeks.

Mixed signals on diplomacy

US President Donald Trump has continued to balance diplomatic outreach with strong warnings, signalling openness to talks while threatening strikes on key Iranian infrastructure if a deal is not reached.

However, Iranian officials have denied that negotiations are taking place and have rejected US proposals as unrealistic.

Uncertainty over Iran’s leadership

Rubio also raised questions over the status of Mojtaba Khamenei, saying it remains unclear who is in control in Tehran.

“We don’t even know he’s in power… It’s very opaque right now,” he said, adding that decision-making within Iran appears uncertain.

‘Iran has weakened’

The US Secretary of State said Iran had been weakened by the conflict, citing its attacks on regional energy infrastructure, airports and diplomatic facilities.

He also criticised Tehran for prioritising support to armed groups over domestic development, saying resources could have been used to address internal challenges.

The remarks come as tensions remain high in the region, with disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz continuing to impact global energy markets.