'Iran Trying To Control Hormuz Illegally, Criminally': Rubio Blames Tehran For Oil Price Hike | Exclusive

'Iran Trying To Control Hormuz Illegally, Criminally': Rubio Blames Tehran For Oil Price Hike | Exclusive Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: May 23, 2026, 19:13 IST US's Marco Rubio blamed Iran for rising oil prices and energy shortages, accusing Tehran of threatening ships in the Strait of Hormuz while still backing diplomacy. Marco Rubio during an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18 on Saturday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on a four-day visit to India, strongly criticised Iran over the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of threatening global trade and worsening energy instability across the world. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18 on Saturday, Rubio said rising oil prices and energy shortages were a direct consequence of Iran’s actions in the strategically crucial waterway. Iran Threatening Global Trade, Says Rubio “I mean, the reason why oil prices are going up, the reason why there’s energy shortage in parts of the world, is because Iran has decided to illegally, unlawfully, and criminally try to take control of the Straits of Hormuz and threaten to sink commercial ships that do not pay them a toll or comply with their instructions," Rubio told CNN-News18.

Follow for live updates. Calling the situation unacceptable under international law, Rubio warned that allowing such actions to continue could have wider consequences for global commerce. “This is totally violative of anything that’s known or allowed in law. And I think the United States and India both share a very common belief — a strong common belief — that what is happening cannot continue. It must be resolved, because otherwise countries in this region and around the world may decide that they’re going to turn some waterway near their coastline into a toll lane. And before you know it, the entire mechanism of international trade is in danger," he added. ‘Fractured System Led By Radicals’: Marco Rubio’s Sharp Attack On Iran Rubio said the issue was discussed during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and claimed both sides were aligned on the matter. “So I think India and the United States are perfectly aligned.

And we spoke about it today with the Prime Minister, who was very forceful about that as well." He also acknowledged the difficulties involved in talks with Iran to bring an end to the war that began late February. Describing the Islamic Republic’s leadership as a “fractured system led by radical clerics," the top US diplomat added that his country was still willing to pursue diplomacy to bring peace in West Asia. “Obviously, as far as the negotiations are concerned, it’s not easy to negotiate with Iran. It’s a fractured system led by radical clerics. But that said, we’re going to give it every opportunity," he remarked. The US leader added that the US wanted a peaceful settlement not only regarding the Strait of Hormuz crisis but also Iran’s nuclear programme. “We would prefer a negotiated and peaceful end — not just of the situation in the Straits of Hormuz, but more importantly, just as importantly, the nuclear threat from Iran," he added.

Rubio, however, stressed that President Donald Trump had made it clear that the current situation would not be allowed to continue indefinitely. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 23, 2026, 19:13 IST News world 'Iran Trying To Control Hormuz Illegally, Criminally': Rubio Blames Tehran For Oil Price Hike | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...