US official: Iran has lost all control over Strait of Hormuz

US official Marco Rubio said that Iran has "completely lost control" over the Strait of Hormuz, noting that the Iranian economy is "in a total and comprehensive freefall."

Speaking during a visit to Athens, Rubio added, "The current volume of oil flowing through the strait is almost equal to what it was before this conflict began, which means they have lost full control" of the vital waterway for Gulf energy exports.

The US official also pointed out that Iran has missed numerous opportunities to reach an agreement with the United States on its nuclear program, adding that Tehran spends its money on terrorism, weapons, and Hezbollah.

Rubio further stated that President Trump is destroying Iran's industrial and military capabilities, stressing that Iran must not have a nuclear program.

In a related development, US official J.D. Vance said earlier in an interview with Reuters that Iran must make a "substantial" reduction in its uranium enrichment capabilities to meet US demands and end the conflict between the two countries that has lasted for more than seven months, even as Washington remains uncertain about how Tehran makes its decisions in negotiations.