BREAKING NOW: 'National Emergency' Declared, Trump Called In

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the United States has imposed a blockade preventing Iranian ships from transiting the Strait of Hormuz after Iran moved to restrict passage for other vessels. Rubio stated that the measure has already cost Iran hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue. He said the decision followed Iran’s failure to reach an agreement on reopening the waterway to all shipping.

Rubio described the current talks with Iran as distinct from negotiations with other countries, noting that the Iranian decision-making process is slow and fragmented. He said the regime has recently agreed to discuss aspects of its nuclear program that it had previously refused to address. At the same time, he indicated that U.S. patience is limited and that further progress is required on nuclear issues and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported that Tehran had suspended talks with the United States, citing Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. President Trump stated on social media that negotiations between the two countries remain ongoing. Rubio’s testimony did not directly address the Iranian media reports but emphasized that any agreement would need to include verifiable steps on Iran’s nuclear activities and the restoration of open passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The blockade and the status of talks come as the United States continues to enforce export controls and sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Administration officials have described the current approach as combining diplomatic engagement with measures to increase pressure on Tehran. Rubio’s remarks before the committee provided the most detailed public update on the status of the discussions in recent days.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to exchange messages through diplomatic channels. No timeline for further rounds of talks or specific next steps was announced during the hearing. Congressional committees are expected to continue monitoring developments related to Iran policy in the coming weeks.