“I think the world is now reaching a point where it is clear that Iran — or at least certain people in Iran — wants to control the strait and hold it as leverage against the world,” Rubio said.

He stressed that allowing Iran to dominate an international waterway would be “completely illegal, unlawful and unacceptable.”

Rubio said the US would continue taking the necessary steps to protect international shipping, but warned that Washington should not be expected to carry the burden alone.