**[U.S. Secretary of State Takes Firm Stance: No Lifting of Sanctions on Iran in Exchange for Reopening the Strait of Hormuz]** BlockBeats reports that on June 3, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated during a congressional hearing that the Trump administration would not lift sanctions on Iran as a condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that any easing of sanctions must be predicated on Iran abandoning its nuclear program, adding that the core reason for U.S. sanctions on Iran lies in its high-enrichment uranium activities and related nuclear operations. As the Iran conflict enters its fourth month, bipartisan lawmakers in Congress continue to question the administration's war strategy and the path to ending the conflict. Rubio noted that Iran had attempted to use the strengthening of its conventional military forces as a cover for its nuclear program, which was one of the key reasons the Trump administration decided to take military action. He also revealed that there are signs Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is becoming increasingly involved in the negotiation process. [Original Link]