Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted phone conversations with foreign ministers from Australia and Britain on Monday, focusing on Iran and the critical shipping corridor known as the Strait of Hormuz, according to State Department officials.
During his discussions with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Rubio addressed “Iran and ongoing efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the State Department announced in separate statements following the calls.
The conflict with Iran has essentially shut down the strategic waterway, creating what officials describe as the most significant energy market disruption in recorded history. Prior to hostilities, approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments traveled through this vital passage.
Tehran has prevented virtually all vessels from transiting the strait except for Iranian ships. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has established his own blockade targeting Iranian ports.
Trump has consistently criticized Western allies, claiming they have not provided adequate support to the United States in the conflict that commenced when American and Israeli forces struck Iran on February 28.
Iran retaliated with attacks against Israel and Gulf nations that house American military installations. The combined U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, along with Israeli military actions in Lebanon, have resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced millions of people.
Speaking on Monday, Trump described a ceasefire agreement with Iran that was established over a month ago as being “on life support.”
The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom have all implemented sanctions targeting Iranian networks and individuals, both before and during the current conflict.
