Marco Rubio Says Only the U.S. Can Keep the Strait of Hormuz Open Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

WASHINGTON, May 6: Marco Rubio has declared that the United States is the only country capable of restoring normal operations in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, as tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Rubio said the US-led initiative named “Project Freedom” was launched after several countries appealed to Washington for help in securing safe passage for commercial vessels stranded in the Gulf region.
According to Rubio, the operation aims to reopen maritime traffic, protect international shipping routes, and prevent further escalation in the region following growing instability linked to Iran.
“President Trump answered the international calls for assistance,” Rubio said, while describing the operation as the first major step toward restoring unrestricted navigation through the waterway.
The Secretary of State argued that the United States possesses unmatched military and logistical capabilities needed to carry out such a mission effectively.
“We are doing this because nations requested our help, but also because America is the only country with the capacity to restore full maritime access,” Rubio stated.
Global Shipping Crisis Raises Alarm
Rubio warned that the prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is threatening international trade and placing thousands of civilian sailors at risk.
He explained that many cargo vessels have remained stranded for extended periods, creating shortages of food, drinking water, and other critical supplies onboard ships waiting for clearance.
“These crews cannot remain trapped indefinitely,” Rubio said, adding that the humanitarian situation at sea is becoming increasingly serious.
The US administration believes that restoring free movement in the strait is essential for global economic stability, especially because the route handles a significant share of the world’s oil and energy exports.
Rubio emphasized that Washington wants maritime conditions to return to normal, where ships from every nation can move freely without threats, mines, or forced payments.
Trump Announces ‘Project Freedom’
On Sunday, Donald Trump officially announced “Project Freedom” through a post on Truth Social, stating that several nations had privately and publicly requested US assistance.
Trump said the mission is intended to guarantee safe navigation for commercial vessels attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional instability.
The operation officially began Monday under the supervision of United States Central Command.
Massive US Military Deployment Underway
According to CENTCOM, the United States has deployed major military assets to support merchant shipping in the Gulf region.
The mission includes guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft operating from land and sea bases, unmanned surveillance platforms, and nearly 15,000 military personnel.
US officials say the deployment is designed to deter attacks on commercial vessels and ensure uninterrupted movement through the critical trade corridor.
Washington has also defended its sanctions and naval pressure on Iran, arguing that such measures are necessary to protect international commerce and regional security.
Rubio claimed that many countries not directly involved in regional conflicts are now facing economic losses and security risks because of disruptions in the shipping lane.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Global Trade Route
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, connecting Gulf oil producers to global markets.
Any prolonged closure or instability in the area can sharply impact global oil prices, shipping operations, and international supply chains.
The US administration says Project Freedom is intended to restore confidence in maritime trade while preventing further escalation in the Gulf region.