U.S. Secretary of State: We will continue to defend navigation and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open
Washington, Sept 23 (KUNA) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on Wednesday that the United States will continue to defend freedom of navigation and ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open. Speaking at a press conference in New York, Rubio said he did not wish to “label or characterize” the talks that took place yesterday between the American and Iranian sides on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. He added, “I believe there is a very clear understanding of the nature of the matter. The core of the issue—and the most important issue of all—is what President (Donald Trump) emphasized in his address to the world yesterday: Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon. Everything else flows from this fact.”
Rubio stressed, “We recognize that the Strait of Hormuz is a critical issue. The southern passage of the strait is open daily, and increasing volumes of oil are flowing through it, thanks to the efforts of the U.S. military, which is responsible for protecting navigation and clearing mines. This approach will continue.” He continued, “The only blockade imposed on the Strait of Hormuz is the one we have imposed on Iran, because it continues to fire on ships. It persists in this behavior, as another attack on ships occurred early this morning.” He reiterated, “We will continue to defend navigation and ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open. This is an ongoing issue.”
He reaffirmed that “the core remains that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon, and we emphasize this point in every interaction with them.” He noted that “if an agreement is to be reached with Iran, it will require a great deal of hard work over time and will also involve the participation of mediators.” However, Trump “is open to the idea of reaching an agreement. The President—up to this point—remains willing to conclude an agreement with Iran that allows it to be what it should be: a great and prosperous nation.”
In the same context, the U.S. Secretary of State highlighted that “the Middle East faces a threat from the Houthi agents (militias).” He also pointed out that “Iran misunderstands the U.S. political system,” clarifying that relying on the possibility of Democrats winning next month’s midterm elections to halt U.S. strikes on Iran is futile, as the President retains authority in this regard until the end of his term.
Yesterday, the U.S. President stated that a three-hour meeting took place between the U.S. negotiating team, including Special Envoy for Middle East Peace Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and the Iranian delegation, reiterating that Iran has two choices: “potential greatness or total destruction.” (End) Ras R / T M A
