US diplomatic chief Marco Rubio described the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic sea artery for hydrocarbon exports from the Gulf monarchies to the rest of the world, as an “economic nuclear weapon”, saying Iran is out to impose its own “domination” in the region.
During an interview with Fox News yesterday, Monday, the U.S. Secretary of State–and the president’s national security adviser–argued that the blockade of the sea route shows why Iran should never be allowed to acquire a nuclear arsenal.
“The strait is basically the equivalent of an economic nuclear weapon that they’re trying to use against the world, and they’re bragging about it,”
If Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, he insisted, it would “hold the whole region hostage.”
Tehran has denied for decades that it is seeking to acquire a nuclear arsenal.
Mr. Rubio avoided giving a clear answer on how US President Donald Trump would respond if Tehran continues to refuse to negotiate on what Washington demands, particularly on the country’s nuclear energy programme.
Since the start of the US-Israeli war against it two months ago, Iran has de facto closed the strait, through which 20% of the oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) that Gulf kingdoms export to the rest of the world normally passes, triggering a rapid rise in energy prices. The US has also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports to annihilate revenues from Iranian crude exports.
A ceasefire declared after 40 days of hostilities continues, but talks between the two states, sworn enemies, appear to have reached an impasse.
