US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sharply criticised Iran, describing the Strait of Hormuz as an “economic nuclear weapon” allegedly used by Tehran to pressure global markets. Rubio made the remarks during an interview, where he also ruled out support for any agreement with Iran that does not address its nuclear programme.

Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes, gives Iran the ability to threaten a significant portion of global oil supplies. He claimed Tehran has publicly highlighted its strategic leverage over international energy markets. The narrow waterway remains a vital passage for crude exports from Gulf nations, making any instability there a matter of global concern.

Arguing against a limited diplomatic arrangement, Rubio said any future deal with Iran must contain safeguards preventing the country from rapidly advancing toward a nuclear weapon. He warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would complicate regional security calculations and reduce the ability of other nations to respond to militant groups and proxy conflicts across the Middle East.

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Rubio further accused Iran of seeking to expand influence beyond its borders through allied groups in Lebanon, Gaza and Iraq. He alleged that Tehran does not only aim to control domestic affairs but also seeks broader regional dominance. Iranian officials have previously rejected similar accusations, maintaining that their nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and that their regional alliances are defensive in nature.

The comments come amid continuing international debate over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, sanctions policy and regional security. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to those discussions because disruptions there can quickly affect oil prices, inflation and global trade flows. Rubio’s remarks signal a harder line in Washington as diplomatic and strategic tensions with Tehran continue.

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