US Secretary of State Rubio: 'Iran Has Completely Lost Control of the Strait of Hormuz'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on October 7 (local time) that "Iran has completely lost control over the Strait of Hormuz."

According to Reuters and AFP, Secretary Rubio made the remarks while meeting with reporters during his visit to Athens, Greece, saying, "The Iranian economy is in a total free fall."

He stated, "The Strait of Hormuz is open, and the volume of oil being exported through it is at nearly the same level as before the conflict."

He emphasized, "Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons," adding, "Subjected to crippling sanctions, the Iranian economy will reach a situation that only a handful of countries have ever experienced."

Regarding claims that the United States asked a third country to block the return of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, he denied them, saying, "The premise of the question is not true."

Secretary Rubio held talks with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis earlier that day and announced a new counterterrorism intelligence-sharing framework between the two countries' law enforcement agencies.

"Given the situations in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, a strong partnership with Greece is crucial," Secretary Rubio said, adding, "Our energy relationship with Greece has reached a new level."

Minister Gerapetritis responded, "If necessary, we will cooperate with the United States regarding maritime support in the Strait of Hormuz."

That day, about 2,000 Greek citizens gathered in downtown Athens to protest Secretary Rubio's visit to Greece.

After visiting Iceland and Greece, Secretary Rubio is scheduled to wrap up his European tour with a final stop in Lisbon, Portugal.

(Photo: Getty Images)
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