The US is calling for a 'Plan B' to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 21, 2026, en route to a meeting of NATO foreign ministers. Photo: Reuters.

Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rubio said that the US and its allies still prioritize a diplomatic solution to reach an agreement with Tehran. The goal of these negotiations is to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran abandons its nuclear weapons development.

"We have to have a Plan B if someone decides to fire shots at such a strategic choke point. The ideal scenario is for Iran to say, 'Okay, we'll reopen the strait.' However, a Plan B is essential if Iran says, 'No, we won't reopen it,'" Fox News quoted the US Secretary of State as saying.

The US Secretary of State emphasized that diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but allies need to be prepared for the possibility that Iran continues its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He hypothesized that if Tehran declares control of the Strait of Hormuz and imposes fees on passing ships, the international community will be forced to respond. Countries need to start developing countermeasures now.

Rubio stressed that the U.S. and its international allies must act if this shipping lane continues to be disrupted, but declined to specify whether NATO would deploy military forces.

Diplomatically, Rubio acknowledged that current negotiations with Iran are facing many difficulties. “There has been some progress, but we haven’t achieved what we want. I hope that will change, but it’s also possible that it won’t,” he said.

Amidst heightened tensions, mediators continue to push forward negotiation efforts aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.

According to Reuters , General Asim Munir, Pakistan's army chief and a key mediator in negotiations between the US and Iran, has departed for Tehran. He is expected to meet with senior Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Pakistani Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi is also in Tehran, holding his third consecutive day of talks to discuss proposals to end the conflict between the US and Israel and Iran. Additionally, a Qatari negotiating team has arrived in Tehran to help reach an agreement to end the conflict and resolve outstanding issues.

Source: https://znews.vn/my-keu-goi-ke-hoach-b-de-mo-cua-eo-bien-hormuz-post1653592.html