The United States has warned that if Iran attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz, it would be making another grave mistake, potentially inviting severe consequences.
In a recent interview, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that any retaliatory action by Iran following American strikes would be one of the worst decisions in the country's history. He emphasised that the United States is not seeking war with Iran, nor is regime change in Tehran its objective.
Rubio asserted that the US remains open to dialogue with Iran.
He also claimed that Iran possesses all the necessary components to build nuclear weapons, including enriched uranium sufficient to produce nine or ten atomic bombs. “All of this was available before, but not to the same extent now,” he said.
Rubio warned that if Iran proceeds to block the Strait of Hormuz, it would amount to economic suicide. He added, “We have options available to respond, should the Strait be closed.”
At present, Rubio clarified, there are no plans for further military operations against Iran.
He questioned the motives behind Iran's space programme, asking rhetorically, “Why does Iran have a space programme? Are they trying to go to the moon? No.”
He accused Iran of attempting to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
