U.S. Warns of Strait of Hormuz Contingency as UN Nuclear Talks Collapse

The U.S.-Iran crisis entered a critical diplomatic and strategic phase on Friday, May 22, 2026, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged NATO allies to prepare for a 'Plan B' regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking in Sweden, Rubio raised concerns that Iran might attempt to seize control of the vital oil transit chokepoint and charge tolls, stating that such an action would necessitate a forceful international response. Meanwhile, at the United Nations in New York, the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference ended in failure, with Ambassador Do Hung Viet announcing that no consensus could be reached among the 191 parties following intense friction over Tehran’s nuclear program. Despite the breakdown in multilateral forums, the Trump administration signaled that bilateral efforts have not fully stalled. Rubio noted 'a little bit of movement' in indirect negotiations aimed at de-escalating the conflict. Regional mediation has also intensified, with Qatari officials traveling to Tehran and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, arriving in the Iranian capital to meet with senior leadership. These efforts come as the Biden-era policies are replaced by the current administration's 'high-alert' posture. On the military front, U.S. intelligence and defense officials have reportedly canceled Memorial Day weekend plans to monitor the situation. While the Pentagon continues to weigh various military strike options, no final decision for new kinetic action has been publicly announced as of Friday afternoon. For now, the conflict remains in a high-tension pre-decision phase, with the international community focused on preventing a total blockade of global shipping lanes.