Rubio: We Will Not Accept One Country Controlling the Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that it is unacceptable for a single country to control an important maritime route, referring to Iran and its efforts to dominate navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US minister emphasized at a press conference in Athens that there must be diverse routes and sources for energy supplies, while affirming that "Iran has lost full control over the Strait of Hormuz."

Regarding Iran, Rubio said it had "failed, its economy is collapsing, and it now faces sanctions," noting that it "spends money on terrorism, weapons, and Hezbollah."

The US minister reiterated that Iran cannot have a nuclear program, while pointing to its military-industrial and war capabilities.

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump confirmed that large quantities of oil shipments continue to pass through the strait daily, claiming that Hormuz is fully under the control of the US Navy.

Marco Rubio arrived in Athens where he is holding a "strategic dialogue" with NATO member Greece on regional security and energy security, according to the US State Department.

Rubio told journalists before the visit, "Greece is a very important ally of the United States."

He added, "It is a place where we not only enjoy a military presence but also maintain strong economic ties."

In February, agreements were signed in Athens granting a consortium led by US energy giant Chevron exclusive rights to explore and exploit hydrocarbons in maritime areas south of the Peloponnese peninsula and the island of Crete.