Rubio Says Allies Should Help Secure Strait by Iran for Oil and Gas Ships
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged European and Asian allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that global interests are at stake due to the strait's critical role in oil and gas shipping.
- Rubio highlighted that the U.S. imports little energy through the strait, but about 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies pass through it, affecting global prices amid the ongoing conflict.
- Iran has partially reopened the strait, allowing a limited number of tankers to pass after effectively blocking most Western-affiliated ships since February 28.
- President Trump extended the deadline for Iran to fully reopen the strait by 10 days, until April 6, after Iran allowed eight ships to pass as a gesture of goodwill.
- Rubio noted an increase in energy flow through the strait, though not yet at full capacity, signaling some improvement in the situation.
