Rubio Warns Nuclear-Armed Iran Could ‘Blackmail the World’
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Iran could use a nuclear weapon to “blackmail the world,” intensifying Washington’s rhetoric over Tehran’s nuclear programme as mediators pursue efforts to resolve the continuing US-Iran conflict.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Rubio argued that allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons would create an unacceptable international security threat. His comments represent the US administration’s assessment of the potential consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran rather than an established finding about Tehran’s intentions.
Rubio linked his nuclear warning to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy-shipping corridors. He said the waterway was currently open and that, excluding Iranian oil, the volume of crude passing through it had recovered to nearly pre-war levels.
The secretary of state argued that possession of nuclear weapons could give Tehran greater leverage over the strategic waterway, potentially enabling it to demand payments from vessels or exert greater influence over which countries receive energy supplies. These were hypothetical risks outlined by Rubio, not confirmed Iranian plans.
Rubio also accused Iran’s leadership of directing economic resources toward weapons and allied armed groups rather than improving living conditions. He cited Tehran’s support for Hezbollah, Hamas and Shiite militias in Iraq. These allegations formed part of Rubio’s case against the Iranian government and should be understood as claims made by the US secretary of state.
Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not seek nuclear weapons while asserting Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy.
Rubio’s remarks come as nuclear issues have become central to diplomatic efforts surrounding the wider US-Iran conflict. Mediators are working on proposals that could include renewed nuclear inspections alongside arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and other disputed issues. Significant differences between Washington and Tehran nevertheless remain.
US President Donald Trump on Monday denied reports that Washington had offered sanctions relief or access to frozen Iranian funds in exchange for progress on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have signalled willingness to engage diplomatically while rejecting negotiations under coercion.
The nuclear dispute therefore remains one of the principal obstacles facing mediators attempting to negotiate a broader settlement between the United States and Iran.
