United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Iran has “lost complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz, speaking to reporters during a visit to Athens.
“The Straits of Hormuz are open. There’s almost as much oil flowing out now as there was before this conflict began,” Rubio said.
He said sanctions had pushed Iran’s economy into what he called “total and complete freefall”. He also said Iran’s money was being spent on Hezbollah and Hamas.
On Iran’s nuclear programme, Rubio said any agreement acceptable to the United States must ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.
The Strait of Hormuz is a main route for Gulf oil exports, so shipping disruption there can affect fuel prices in import-dependent countries such as Sri Lanka.
Iran has not responded to Rubio’s remarks in the reports available.
