U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said in a media interview: "The sanctions against Iran are unprecedented, and the pressure being exerted on Iran is also unprecedented. I believe even more pressure can be applied. Iran cannot be the sole beneficiary of illegal, unjust tolls and control systems in the Strait."

Rubio's remarks represent the latest escalation of America's "maximum pressure" strategy toward Iran, shifting its core focus from purely nuclear negotiations to a broader geopolitical struggle for regional dominance. These statements are not only warnings to Iran but also an open declaration of U.S. global strategic intentions.

This marks a fundamental shift in U.S. strategic intent—from addressing "nuclear issues" to pursuing regional hegemony.

By acknowledging that "nuclear issues" are merely a pretext, Rubio explicitly stated that even if Iran had no nuclear program, its ambition to establish dominance in the Middle East would still make it a problem for the United States. This effectively admits that the so-called "nuclear threat" long emphasized by the U.S. has primarily served as a convenient justification for rallying international support, while the real conflict lies over who will dominate the Middle East region.

The U.S. strategic bottom line is allowing no regional power to challenge its dominant position. Regardless of whether Iran possesses nuclear weapons, as soon as it attempts to expand its regional influence or supports proxy militias, it will inevitably collide with American interests. Therefore, the U.S. objective is no longer simply to bring Iran back to the negotiating table—it aims to force Iran to abandon its regional ambitions entirely.

Rubio described the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s "economic nuclear weapon" aimed at the entire world. This implies that the U.S. believes Iran is attempting to leverage its influence over this vital global energy chokepoint as a tool for extortion and pressure.

Currently, the U.S. has begun imposing blockades on Iranian ports. In response, Iran has proposed a conditional agreement: if the U.S. lifts the blockade, Iran will agree to reopen the strait. Rubio’s statements indicate that the U.S. rejects such a deal. The goal is not merely to open the strait, but to completely strip Iran of its control and influence over it, ensuring this strategic waterway remains fully under U.S. and allied control.

In summary, Rubio’s statement signals a new phase in U.S.-Iran confrontation. The U.S. objective is now clear: through comprehensive economic, military, and diplomatic pressure, to thoroughly undermine Iran’s regional influence—especially by depriving it of control over the Strait of Hormuz—in order to consolidate U.S. absolute dominance in the Middle East. This is no longer about negotiating agreements; it is a zero-sum game over regional order and hegemony.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863725513976896/

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