Washington, USA – Web Desk: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Iran will not be allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the US Navy has blocked around 70 Iran-linked oil tankers.
Speaking to media during a visit to Italy, Rubio said his meeting with Pope Leo was “constructive” and covered a range of international issues.
He also said that the US is prepared to provide further humanitarian assistance to southern Cuba, while noting that Havana has not been accepting aid.
On Iran, Rubio said Washington is still awaiting Tehran’s response to a proposed agreement, which was expected earlier but has not yet been received. He expressed hope that Iran would respond seriously and open the door to negotiations.
Commenting on recent military developments, Rubio said a recent operation had no connection to “Operation Epic Fury,” adding that any attack on US forces would be met with a strong response.
He stated that Iran had fired at US forces in international waters and that the United States responded accordingly. Rubio added that the US is targeting fast-attack boats linked to Iran, warning that any threat to American forces would be dealt with firmly.
The US Secretary of State also said Iran’s claims of controlling an international waterway were unacceptable and reiterated that Washington would not allow it.
Rubio further said that the world does not want to see Iran acquire nuclear weapons and that the US is working to prevent it.
He added that Washington is also working to cut financial support for Hezbollah in Lebanon through coordination with the Lebanese government, while ruling out direct talks with the group.
