Marco Rubio says the Iran war is 'over', hopes China talks to Iran about Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday (May 5) he hopes Chinese officials talk to Iran about the Strait of Hormuz during a foreign minister's visit this week.

As Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi prepares to visit China on Wednesday, Rubio says that he hopes Tehran's allies in Beijing reiterate the need for Iran to release its chokehold on the critical waterway as the fragile ceasefire continues.

"I hope the Chinese tell him what he needs to be told", Rubio said during a White House briefing. "And that is that what you are doing in the Strait is causing you to be globally isolated. You're the bad guy in this."

"It is in China's interest that Iran stop closing the strait," he added.

Rubio also declared victory in the major US military operation against Iran, saying: "Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation."

But he stopped short of saying the conflict is over or cannot be restarted. Read more: https://cna.asia/4dmXhwt

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