US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran lost complete control of the Strait of Hormuz. He spoke on Wednesday during a joint news conference in Athens with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
Rubio told reporters that the straits remained open. He said almost as much oil flowed out then as before the conflict began. As a result, Iran lost complete control of the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital route for global oil shipments. Rubio linked the recovered traffic to Iran’s diminished influence over the passage.
Rubio added that Tehran’s economy stood in total and complete freefall. He attributed the condition to crippling sanctions. Consequently, the Iranian economy approached a place few countries in the world have reached.
He further stated that every dollar received by the radical Shia clerics went to Hezbollah and Hamas.
Rubio reiterated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. He called the matter simple, period, end of story. Any agreement acceptable to the United States must ensure Iran will never possess one.
He noted that Iran failed to take advantage of multiple opportunities to reach a nuclear agreement with the United States. Iran stood far less powerful than before and faced those same sanctions.
Rubio argued that Iran sought to build a conventional capability so massive that it would become untouchable.
The comments came as Rubio visited Athens ahead of strategic talks with the NATO member on regional and energy security.
