Rubio details U.S. redlines in negotiations with Iran

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday reiterated that the U.S. is dedicated to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and securing necessary concessions from Iran during negotiations.

Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mr. Rubio outlined America’s main demands surrounding the strait and Iran’s nuclear stockpiles.

“They have to announce, very clearly, that the straits are now open. We’re not charging a toll. We will help remove the mines that they put in there, and they will not fire on ships,” he said.

When pressed on whether the U.S. would offer sanctions relief in exchange for Iran reopening the strait, Mr. Rubio confirmed that such discussions had not taken place during negotiations.

Iran has kept the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to all Western-linked ships for nearly three months in reaction to U.S. and Israeli strikes. At least 20% of the world’s oil passes through the waterway each year,