Rubio: US will not offer Iran sanctions relief to open Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate that any sanctions relief for Iran depends on nuclear concessions. Washington does not plan to offer sanctions relief as an incentive to get Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate on Tuesday that Washington will not offer Iran sanctions relief upfront in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio stressed that any sanctions relief depends on whether Iran is willing to make nuclear concessions.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most vital shipping lanes, through which a significant portion of global oil trade flows. The possible threat of Iran closing the strait has heightened tensions in the region and raised concerns on international energy markets.

Rubio's message to the Senate signals that the Trump administration intends to maintain pressure on Tehran and does not plan to make diplomatic concessions without concrete progress in nuclear negotiations. US-Iran nuclear talks have been difficult, with both sides presenting mutually hard-to-accept demands.