WASHINGTON, June 3 (HS): The United States has made it clear that merely reopening the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted maritime traffic will not result in the lifting of economic and trade sanctions imposed on Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that any sanctions relief would require Iran to reach a substantive agreement on its nuclear programme and issues related to its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Speaking during discussions with US lawmakers, Rubio said that no proposal has been offered to Iran linking the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the removal of sanctions, nor is any such arrangement currently under consideration. According to him, sanctions relief can only be contemplated if the international community’s concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities are adequately addressed.

The US Secretary of State also described the recent military operation conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran as successful. He said that “Operation Epic Fury” had achieved its principal military objectives and inflicted significant damage on Iran’s defence infrastructure.

According to Rubio, differing opinions may exist regarding the operation, but from a military standpoint it successfully accomplished its intended goals. He further claimed that the action had severely degraded Iran’s naval capabilities.

The statement from the US administration comes at a time when international efforts and discussions are intensifying to reduce tensions in West Asia and ensure the security of critical maritime trade routes. The Strait of Hormuz is regarded as one of the world's most important energy corridors, as a substantial share of global oil and natural gas exports passes through this route.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar