Vivian Balakrishnan
ON THE RECORD · 4 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“a quick diplomatic off-ramp”
Vivian Balakrishnan · said 2026-10-07 · reported 2026-10-07
Balakrishnan said he did not see a quick diplomatic off-ramp to the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz.
“This, for us, is an existential question, and it's a matter of principle, matter of international law,”
Vivian Balakrishnan · said 2026-10-07 · reported 2026-10-07
Balakrishnan stressed that freedom of navigation through international waterways is a non-negotiable principle for Singapore.
“I think there will be a lot of pushing and shoving the next few months,”
Vivian Balakrishnan · said 2026-10-07 · reported 2026-10-07
Balakrishnan said he does not expect the U.S. or Gulf states to tolerate Iran having a veto over the Strait of Hormuz.
“greater leverage right now than even a potential nuclear weapon from an Iranian point of view,”
Vivian Balakrishnan · said 2026-10-07 · reported 2026-10-07
Balakrishnan said Iran's ability to charge vessels through Hormuz could give it a potential veto right over the waterway, providing greater leverage than even a nuclear weapon.