Rubio accuses Iran of using Hormuz Strait as 'leverage against the world'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of using the Strait of Hormuz as leverage amid the ongoing conflict in the region, calling on other countries to "step up" to protect global shipping.

"It's clear that Iran, at least some people in Iran, want to control the straits and hold that as leverage against the world," Rubio told reporters.

"The United States will do and continue to do what it needs to, to protect global shipping, but other countries need to begin to step up and provide, whether it's hardware or finances, to help carry that burden," he added.