Rubio warns Iran's Strait of Hormuz demands would set dangerous precedent at ASEAN meeting

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Asian leaders at the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila that Iran's demand to control and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would threaten global economy and freedom of navigation. Rubio stated that allowing a nation-state to control an international waterway and attack ships that refuse to pay would create a dangerous precedent that could repeat in other regions, including Southeast Asia. The meeting, attended by top diplomats from the U.S., China, Russia, and others, also addressed the resurgent war in West Asia. Rubio met with Quad partners (U.S., Australia, India, Japan) who issued a joint statement reaffirming commitment to maritime security initiatives countering China's influence. He also met Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, discussing regional issues, the Iran war, and a pending trade agreement to lower U.S. tariffs on Indian goods.