Washington, DC – The US Secretary of Defense told News Nation that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open to global shipping, whether or not an agreement is reached with Iran. He indicated that this depends on Tehran’s choices in the coming period. The Secretary added that Washington believes the strategic waterway should remain accessible without restrictions or tolls. He also emphasized that the entire world should be able to use it normally and safely.
Indirect link to the Iranian file
The US official explained that the future of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will be determined by the course of understandings or disagreements with Iran. He pointed out that any settlement, or lack thereof, will have repercussions on the management of this vital waterway. These statements come amid escalating tensions in the region concerning maritime security in the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important strategic waterways for the global transport of oil and gas.
Importance of a global strategy
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most sensitive waterways, through which a large portion of energy exports from the Gulf states pass. This makes any threat to freedom of navigation there a matter of widespread international concern.
Affirmation of freedom of navigation
The US Secretary of State emphasized that American policy aims to ensure the continued unimpeded flow of global trade. He also asserted that freedom of navigation in international straits is a strategic priority for his country and the global economy as a whole.
