Politics1 min read

Rubio claims Strait of Hormuz oil flows near pre-war levels on some nights

By · Via Middle East Eye · Published by Everything Blog

In short

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported the shipping recovery to reporters during a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Paris. He explained that successful economic measures are currently substituting for large-scale combat operations against Iran. Additional strikes may be entirely avoided if these financial pressures achieve the administration's stated objectives. Although the United States is willing to engage in diplomacy, Rubio emphasized that Iran's current demands make immediate negotiations impossible.

Key points

  • Washington plans to step up economic pressure on Tehran to avoid the necessity of major m…: Washington plans to step up economic pressure on Tehran to avoid the necessity of major military operations.
  • The United States may refrain from launching further strikes if economic measures success…: The United States may refrain from launching further strikes if economic measures successfully fulfill its strategic objectives.
  • American officials remain open to diplomatic talks to end the conflict if Iran alters its…: American officials remain open to diplomatic talks to end the conflict if Iran alters its unrealistic demands.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have recovered to more than four-fifths of their pre-war volume on some nights. He attributed the remaining shortfall to Iranian exports.

“Oil is getting out – on some nights it’s 80-85 percent of what was getting out pre-conflict.

“The only reason why it isn’t 100 percent is because Iranian oil isn’t getting out.

“The only oil that isn’t getting out consistently through the strait of Hormuz is the Iranian oil,” he told reporters at a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris.

Rubio said Washington would step up economic pressure on Tehran. “I have been told the economic campaign [against Iran] is working so well there’s no need for major combat operations,” he said.

“The economic pressure on Iran is going to get even worse,” he added.

Rubio said Washington was “open to diplomacy” to end the war, but told reporters that “the Iranian demands are totally unrealistic. We expect that could change – and if it does, we’re prepared for diplomacy.”

He said Washington could forgo…

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