As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus joined “The Story” with Trace Gallagher on Fox News to discuss the growing concerns surrounding Iran’s threats in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader implications for US national security strategy.

During the interview, Ortagus pushed back strongly against reports that Iran could attempt to impose so-called “fees” or “tolls” on vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. While some international legal experts have argued there may be technical distinctions between tolls and service fees, Ortagus dismissed the idea outright, warning that any attempt by Iran to control commercial navigation would represent a dangerous escalation.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the global economy. A significant percentage of the world’s oil and energy shipments pass through the narrow waterway every day, making freedom of navigation essential not only for the United States, but also for global markets and international security.

Ortagus argued that allowing Iran to dictate terms in the Strait would undermine decades of international maritime norms enforced by the United States and its allies since World War II. She emphasized that the strength of the US Navy and America’s longstanding commitment to protecting freedom of the seas has prevented hostile regimes from weaponizing critical trade routes.

According to Ortagus, the issue extends far beyond Iran itself. She warned that if the international community tolerates Iranian interference in the Strait of Hormuz, other adversarial nations could attempt similar actions in strategic waterways around the world. The concern, she suggested, is not only about the immediate threat posed by Tehran, but also about the precedent such actions could create for countries like China and other authoritarian powers seeking greater control over global shipping lanes.

The interview also focused heavily on the current state of Iran’s leadership and negotiating structure following recent military actions targeting senior regime officials. Ortagus noted that many of the individuals who previously shaped Iran’s foreign policy and military strategy are no longer in power, creating uncertainty within the regime’s decision-making process.

That instability, she argued, is one reason Iran appears to be delaying negotiations and attempting to buy time. With longtime power brokers removed from the equation, there are growing questions about who inside the regime has the authority to make decisions regarding diplomacy, nuclear negotiations, and military escalation.

Ortagus explained that for decades, US officials and intelligence professionals developed an understanding of Iran’s leadership structure and political dynamics. However, recent developments have dramatically altered that landscape. The result is a more fractured and unpredictable regime that is struggling to establish a coherent negotiating position.

Despite that uncertainty, Ortagus made clear that the United States continues to maintain significant leverage in negotiations with Iran. Drawing on her experience working on Iran policy during both Trump administrations, she pointed to longstanding US red lines regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and threats to international shipping.

Central to the discussion was the issue of highly enriched uranium. Ortagus argued that any meaningful diplomatic engagement with Iran must include direct discussions about the country’s nuclear program. Without addressing uranium enrichment and nuclear weapons capabilities, she suggested that negotiations cannot produce a credible or lasting agreement.

Throughout the interview, Ortagus emphasized what she described as President Trump’s consistent position on Iran: preventing the regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon. She argued that recent military and diplomatic actions have provided the United States with unprecedented leverage in future negotiations and reshaped the balance of power in the region.

The conversation highlighted broader questions surrounding US national security strategy in the Middle East, including deterrence, military readiness, and the protection of critical global infrastructure. Ortagus framed the Strait of Hormuz as more than a regional dispute, describing it as a test of whether the international community is willing to defend the principles of free navigation and global stability.

As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, the debate over Iran, maritime security, and nuclear negotiations is likely to remain central to American foreign policy discussions. Ortagus’ remarks underscore the growing concern among policymakers and national security experts that maintaining stability in the Strait of Hormuz will remain essential to both regional security and the global economy.

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With more than 20 years of experience in US national security strategy, foreign policy, and financial services Morgan Ortagus is a proud Amercian leader. She has served as Deputy Presidential Special Envoy to the Middle East, Special Representative for Lebanon, Counselor to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, and Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.

In addition to her government service, Ortagus is the former host of The Morgan Ortagus Show on SiriusXM and remains a frequent contributor on Fox News. Explore more of Morgan Ortagus’ television appearances, interviews, and commentary to hear her insights on foreign policy, global security, and today’s most pressing international challenges.