Rubio says Iran no longer fully controls the Strait of Hormuz

While in Athens, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that Iran no longer exercises complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that previously handled about one-fifth of global oil shipments. Since the conflict sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran at the end of February, Tehran has required vessels to obtain its authorization and warned of attacks on those that refuse. Nevertheless, a growing number of tankers are navigating the strait under US naval escort, allowing regional monarchies to lift oil exports back to pre-war volumes. In a joint press conference with Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis, Rubio said Iran’s military capabilities have diminished and that the “devastating” sanctions are driving the Iranian economy toward an unprecedented, potentially catastrophic situation.