Marco Rubio Warns Against Global Reliance on Single Energy Supply Route

Speaking alongside Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis in Athens, Rubio said the United States is working to develop alternative routes and strengthen partnerships to protect global energy supplies from geopolitical shocks.

He said the international community should avoid a situation in which disruptions to energy flows in one part of the world could threaten economies globally. Rubio also cautioned that heavy dependence on specific supply routes could limit countries' ability to pursue independent national policies.

His remarks came amid continuing tensions involving Iran and concerns over the security of key maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

Rubio said recent developments had highlighted the importance of maintaining multiple channels for transporting oil, natural gas and other energy resources. He described energy security as closely linked to national security.

The US Secretary of State cited Iran as an example of how regional conflicts can create vulnerabilities in global energy markets. He also said Washington supported Greece's efforts to develop energy infrastructure linking the Mediterranean region with European markets.

Rubio said the US was committed to working with Greece on energy corridors and other infrastructure projects, describing Athens as an important partner in those efforts.

Greece has become a key partner in US efforts to expand American liquefied natural gas exports to Central and Eastern Europe. Gerapetritis highlighted the Vertical Corridor, an energy network designed to transport US LNG into European markets, and said energy cooperation between Greece and the US had reached an unprecedented level.

The Greek minister also pointed to the expanding presence of US energy companies in Greece, including efforts to explore offshore hydrocarbon resources.

Gerapetritis said Greek-owned commercial vessels carry more than 20 per cent of the world's LNG shipments, highlighting the country's role in global energy transportation.

Rubio said Washington intended to support increased LNG imports by Greece as well as the development of new gas and electricity interconnectors to strengthen regional energy infrastructure.

Asked about US backing for major Greek energy projects, including ExxonMobil operations, Chevron exploration south of Crete and proposed electricity connections involving Greece, Egypt, Cyprus and Israel, Rubio reiterated American support while acknowledging that some projects involved sensitive diplomatic considerations.

He declined to discuss those issues in detail, saying some matters involving international relations were better handled through diplomatic negotiations rather than public discussions.

The talks also covered maritime security, freedom of navigation and protecting international supply chains.

Gerapetritis said Greece was prepared to consider providing maritime assistance in the Strait of Hormuz if circumstances allowed and a credible peace process was in place. He stressed that secure shipping routes mattered not only for energy supplies but also for global trade and economic stability.