Rubio: Iran mined Hormuz; US-China must talk

Senator Marco Rubio stated that Iran has mined extensive areas of the Strait of Hormuz, posing a threat to international maritime traffic. He asserted that no country on Earth, except possibly Oman, supports Iran's actions in the straits, noting that both China and Russia oppose Iran's activities. Rubio outlined key conditions for potential talks with Iran, including the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and clear announcement of its reopening, as well as commitment to negotiations regarding the disposition of its highly enriched uranium. Rubio reiterated that any sanctions relief would be contingent on meeting these conditions. He also alleged that Oman has been "flirting" with Iran to gain influence over the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio also stated that the Iranian navy lies at the bottom of the ocean and will soon become prime fishing spots, turning into reefs within a number of years. Additionally, Rubio noted indications of Iran's Supreme Leader increasing engagement at some level. Rubio also stated that U.S. policy towards Taiwan remains unchanged and believes China likely desires a shift in this policy. In separate remarks, Rubio said "significant irritants" remained in the US-China relationship but that Washington and Beijing needed to keep talking to stop flashpoints from erupting, emphasizing the need for communication to "de-escalate potential points of conflict that could lead to something broader." Rubio also stated that President Donald Trump's negotiating team has not offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and insisted that any sanctions relief was tied to Tehran giving up its nuclear program. He testified that Iran is being sanctioned because they've highly enriched uranium and due to their nuclear activities, and that sanctions relief would be associated with their commitment and compliance with agreements to give up those things. Rubio appeared at Senate hearings on the Trump administration's request to cut the foreign affairs budget by 30% to $36 billion, while planning a 50% increase in military spending to $1.5 trillion. Rubio called Iran's actions illegal in testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He also testified that there are indications that Iran's Supreme Leader is alive.