US says it will not let Iran hold global economy hostage over Strait of Hormuz

The US State Department has said Washington will not allow Iran to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and hold the global economy hostage.

• The US and Israel began a war against Iran on 28 February 2026, during which the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route for oil exports and global supply chains — was closed.
• A US State Department spokesperson said the United States will not allow Iran to disrupt navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or to take the global economy hostage.
• The spokesperson said the US military helped more than 1,600 commercial ships cross the strait and facilitated the transport of more than 800 million barrels of crude oil.