Marco Rubio Threatens Iran Over Intended Control Of The Strait Of Hormuz: ‘That Would Be Unacceptable’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a threat to Iran, saying that Tehran seeking to control passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be "unacceptable" to the U.S.

Speaking to press in Italy, Rubio said Iran has not sent its response to the latest proposal to end the war, but "we should know something today."

"We'll see what the response entails. The hope is that it is something that can put us into a serious process of negotiations," he added. However, he noted that the country's leadership is "highly fractured and a bit dysfunctional."

Rubio went on to address reports about "Iran trying to establish some agency that is going to control traffic" in the Strait of Hormuz. "That would be unacceptable. The normalizing of their controlling of international waterways."

"The world has to start asking itself what is it willing to do if Iran tries to normalize a control of an international waterway."

The status of negotiations is unclear after new clashes in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. Iran said the U.S. "crossed the point of no return," while President Donald Trump claims the ceasefire is still in effect.

Concretely, Iran's central military command, the Khatam Al-Anbiya headquarters, said Washington struck ports in the key waterway, leading Tehran to retaliate by launching attacks against U.S. ships.

Tehran said the strikes caused "severe and substantial damage," in contrast with the U.S.'s claim that ships were not harmed.

The countries are also giving contrasting statements about the gravity of the clashes. Trump told ABC News they were "just a love tap."

He also said in a social media publication that three destroyers transited through the Strait of Hormuz under fire.

"There was no damage done to the three Destroyers, but great damage done to the Iranian attackers. They were completely destroyed along with numerous small boats, which are being used to take the place of their fully decapitated Navy," Trump said.

Trump also addressed developments while speaking to reporters on Thursday, saying a deal "might not happen, but it could happen any day." "I believe they want the deal more than I do," he said.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) noted that it struck Iranian launch sites, command centers and intelligence nodes as a result of the attacks. CENTCOM said it "does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces."

In contrast, Iran said it will "respond powerfully and without the slightest hesitation to any attack." Tehran also fired at the United Arab Emirates, which said its air defense systems were activated as a result of drone and missile launches.