US officials caution Iran on Hormuz Strait control and regional threats

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told delegates at an ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila that while Washington remains open to negotiations with Iran, Tehran is not taking talks seriously. Rubio warned that Iran’s attempts to control traffic through the Hormuz Strait would set a “dangerous precedent” for global maritime trade and could threaten the Indo‑Pacific region.

President Donald Trump also issued a stark warning, saying any Iranian attack on a U.S. vessel in the Strait would be met with severe retaliation, including the possible destruction of Iranian bridges or power plants. Trump added that future maritime damages could be compensated from Iranian assets under U.S. control.

Both officials stressed that Iran’s continued nuclear activities and support for regional militias have escalated tensions, prompting renewed U.S. sanctions and a heightened military posture in the Middle East.