Washington, 28 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio compared Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to an "economic nuclear weapon," saying Tehran was seeking to dominate the region.

In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Rubio said the disruption of the key waterway showed why Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. "The straits is basically the equivalent of an economic nuclear weapon that they're trying to use against the world, and they're bragging about it," he said.

He added that if Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, it would "hold the whole region hostage."

Rubio, who also serves as US President Donald Trump's national security adviser, declined to comment on how Trump would respond if Tehran continues to refuse negotiations over its nuclear programme.

Preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons was a stated goal of both the current conflict and US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

Since the start of the war around two months ago, Iran has largely restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, contributing to rising global energy prices. The US has also imposed a naval blockade on Iran, aiming to cut off oil revenue to the leadership in Tehran.

A ceasefire is currently in place in the Iran conflict, but talks between the US and Iran on a lasting settlement have stalled.

MIA file photo