US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Iran had squandered numerous opportunities to reach an agreement with Washington over its nuclear programme, as efforts to secure a broader and lasting Middle East peace deal remain stalled.
Speaking during a visit to Greece, Rubio said Tehran had repeatedly failed to take advantage of openings for negotiations with the United States.
“Iran has failed to take advantage of many opportunities to reach an agreement with us over its nuclear programme,” Rubio said, according to CNBC.
Earlier on Wednesday, Rubio also said Washington would not accept any single country controlling a strategically important maritime route, referring to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at a press conference in Athens, the US secretary of state stressed the need for diversified energy routes and supply sources, while arguing that Iran had “completely lost control” of the strait.
Rubio also sharply criticised Tehran’s economic and regional policies, saying Iran had failed strategically and was now facing mounting economic pressure and sanctions.
He accused the Iranian government of spending heavily on weapons and support for armed groups including Hezbollah, rather than addressing its domestic economic problems.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high amid unresolved disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and regional security.
