US Secretary of State Marco Rubio late Sunday said Iran is using the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip in the ongoing Middle East conflict, adding that other countries should increase pressure on it to protect global navigation.

Rubio told reporters before departing for the Philippines to attend the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting: "It is clear that Iran, at least some people there, want to control the strait and use that as a means of pressure on the world."

He added: "The United States will continue to do what is necessary to protect global shipping, but other countries must start stepping up their efforts and providing, whether equipment or financial support, to help bear this burden."

When asked if there is still a diplomatic way out of this conflict, Rubio replied: "I think we are always open to diplomacy. But it has to be genuine. It has to be a deal they are willing to abide by."

Related news

A fragile truce between Iran and the United States collapsed after reports of Iranian attacks on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which before the war was a passage for five percent of global oil and gas supplies.

Rubio warned: "The memorandum of understanding cannot remain in effect if they are violating its terms."

He added: "What I will say is that the United States always remains open to a diplomatic solution. We have tried several times with Iran, and we will continue to try."