Rubio Hints At ‘Plan B’ In Iran Despite New Developments

The small river transports almost a fifth of global oil exports, and disruptions have unsettled markets and governments with shipments slowed and costs rising. Iran claims ownership over the strait and says it will only completely reopen it if it can charge commercial vessels to pass through.

“If Tehran refuses to reopen the route, the US and its partners can’t just sit around and hope for the best,” Rubio added. “If Iran keeps digging in, Washington has to have a Plan B,” he warned.

The greater region is tense as well. Israeli strikes have killed more than 3,100 people in Lebanon since March 2, as combat with Iran-backed Hezbollah has persisted despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire imposed in mid-April, Lebanon’s health ministry said Friday.

Lebanon and Israel have had discussions in Washington, with another session anticipated in June, but Hezbollah has rejected the truce and opposes the meetings.

Diplomatically, the European Union on Friday also attempted to broaden its framework of sanctions on Iran to go after those behind the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the blockade “contrary to international law.”