US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will ‘reopen one way or another’ after the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. This declaration came during an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera on Monday, as global oil markets remain in turmoil due to the effective closure of the critical waterway.

Escalating Tensions and Possible US Deployment

The situation has intensified amid growing speculation about a potential US military deployment in Iran. The conflict began on February 28 with US-Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran, despite repeated claims from US President Donald Trump that the administration is pursuing diplomatic solutions with Iran.

Rubio emphasized that there are ‘ongoing direct talks between parties in Iran and the United States, primarily conducted through intermediaries.’ However, Iran has consistently denied these reports, asserting that no formal negotiations are taking place. Pakistan, meanwhile, announced on Sunday that it would host direct talks ‘in the coming days for a wide-ranging and lasting settlement of the ongoing conflict.’

Rubio also noted that Trump ‘has always preferred diplomacy and seeks to reach a resolution – something that could have been achieved earlier.’ This comes as the Trump administration had previously engaged in indirect talks with Iran to limit its nuclear program. One round of discussions was disrupted last year when Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran, which concluded with US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facility.

Nuclear and Ballistic Weapons Concerns

In the interview. Rubio called on Iran to take ‘concrete steps’ to end its nuclear program and halt the production of drones and missiles. He accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons to ‘threaten and blackmail the world,’ a claim Iran has long denied, maintaining that its nuclear program is solely for civilian use.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is considering a special forces operation to seize enriched uranium stored in Iran. Military experts have warned throughout the war that US and Israeli airstrikes alone would not be sufficient to destroy Iran’s capabilities. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not confirm the report but stated: ‘It’s the job of the Pentagon to make preparations in order to give the Commander-in-Chief maximum optionality. It does not mean the President has made a decision.’

Rubio added that Iran ‘must also cease sponsoring terrorism and halt the production of weapons that threaten its neighbours.’ He said the short-range missiles launched by Iran serve only one purpose: to attack Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Strait of Hormuz and International Pressure

Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed to open traffic, Rubio expressed optimism that it would be reopened. ‘The Strait of Hormuz will reopen one way or another once our military operation in Iran is over,’ he said. ‘The strait will reopen either with Iran’s consent or through an international coalition including the US.’

Rubio warned Iran of ‘severe consequences’ if it were to keep the strait closed after the fighting ends. The closure of the strait has had a significant impact on global oil markets, with oil prices rising sharply in recent weeks, but the strait is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil trade passing through it annually.

The situation in the region has drawn international attention, with several countries monitoring the developments closely. The United States has been working with its allies to ensure the safe passage of oil through the strait, while Iran continues to assert its control over the area.

Rubio’s comments come at a time when the conflict is entering a new phase, with the possibility of US troop deployment in Iran and the potential for further escalation. The situation remains fluid. With the outcome of the conflict and the future of the Strait of Hormuz still uncertain.

As the war continues, the focus remains on the potential for a diplomatic resolution and the reopening of the strait. The international community is watching closely, with many hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.