Rubio warns a nuclear-armed Iran would extort global energy and fund terrorism

In an interview, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would exploit its new capability to blackmail the international community, charging tolls for passage through strategic waterways and controlling energy distribution. He called such a scenario an "unacceptable risk" and accused Tehran of using funds from sanctions relief to arm Hezbollah, Hamas and Shia militias in Iraq instead of benefiting its own people.

Rubio further criticized Iran's ruling elite, characterizing them as radical Shia clerics driven by an apocalyptic worldview. He suggested that this combination of nuclear capability and financial support for militant groups would destabilize the region and threaten global security. The remarks underscore ongoing U.S. concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions and its proxy networks.