The statement was made at a time when this strategic oil transport route is still tense as a violin due to conflict.
On March 26, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz could be restored immediately if Iran stops endangering international transport activities.
The sea could reopen tomorrow if Iran stops threatening global ships," Mr. Rubio told reporters, according to a statement from the US State Department.
However, when asked about the possibility of Washington deploying a ground operation to restore freedom of navigation, the US Secretary of State avoided answering directly - a sign that the White House is still leaving open scenarios but does not want to escalate publicly.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz escalated after the US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran from the end of February. Many major cities, including Tehran, were attacked. In response, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched attacks on Israel and US military facilities in the Middle East.
In that context, Tehran decided to close the Strait of Hormuz to ships related to the US, Israel and countries supporting the military campaign against Iran. Many oil tankers were attacked when passing through the area without permission from Iran.
Notably, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on March 25 that his country still allows ships of "friendly" countries such as Russia, China, India, Iraq and Pakistan to pass through the strait.
As one of the world's most important "energy throats", the Hormuz Strait - located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman - transports about 1/5 of global oil volume per day. Any disruption here could shock the energy market and international supply chains.
Observers believe that Washington's statement puts Tehran in front of a clear choice: Either reduce tensions to resume trade flows, or continue to face the risk of deeper isolation on the world's most strategic shipping route.
