WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)-U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back against any notion of allowing Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, warning that the Islamic Republic is already using control of the Strait of Hormuz to hold the world hostage economically.

In remarks that appear drawn from an interview with Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, Rubio emphasized the dangers posed by Iran’s current behavior and what it could mean if armed with nuclear capabilities.

“I cannot understand why anyone would think it’s a good idea for Iran to ever have a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said. “Look what they’re doing with the Strait right now. They’re holding the whole world hostage.”

He continued: “What do you think they would do if they had a nuclear weapon? They would hold the world hostage with that nuclear weapon. That’s what they would do.”

Rubio added that the point should be obvious to all. “I think the president’s point is how anyone cannot see that as an unacceptable outcome and an unacceptable risk is beyond him. It’s puzzling.”

The comments come amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the U.S. and Israel, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments that Rubio has previously described as an “economic nuclear weapon” in Iran’s hands.

Iran has faced pressure over its nuclear program, regional proxy activities and recent conflicts. The Trump administration has maintained a hard line against Tehran obtaining nuclear arms.