U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned NATO allies on Saturday that the West must develop a contingency “Plan B” should Iran proceed with permanently closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Sweden, Rubio expressed hope that diplomacy could still prevail—ensuring Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions and maintains free passage through the strategic waterway. However, he cautioned that if Tehran continues demanding transit fees from commercial vessels or threatens to sink ships that refuse to comply, the alliance may have no choice but to act.
“Someone is going to have to do something about it,” Rubio said.
The warning underscores rising tensions over Iran’s intensified efforts to assert control over the strait, a critical chokepoint through which nearly 20% of global oil shipments pass. NATO officials have not yet detailed what “Plan B” would entail, but the statement signals growing urgency among Western allies to safeguard international shipping.
