WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that all commercial vessels passing through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz must comply with directives issued by U.S. military forces, as tensions rise in the Gulf following deadly incidents involving ships linked to Iran’s oil trade.
In a phone call with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio said Washington would not tolerate violations of what it describes as an ongoing maritime security operation aimed at disrupting the transport of Iranian oil and enforcing sanctions, according to officials familiar with the conversation.
The warning comes amid growing friction between Washington and New Delhi after U.S. naval strikes in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz reportedly killed several Indian seafarers aboard commercial tankers.
India has strongly protested the incidents, describing the use of lethal force against civilian shipping as “unjustified” and calling for accountability. New Delhi says at least three Indian sailors were killed in recent days, prompting diplomatic protests and summons of U.S. officials.
Rubio defended the U.S. operations, saying vessels that ignore repeated military instructions in the region risk interception as part of enforcement actions targeting Iran’s sanctioned oil exports.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for around one-fifth of global oil shipments, has become increasingly volatile amid broader regional tensions, with rising security risks for international shipping.
India has urged restraint and emphasized that maritime operations must comply with international law, warning that continued incidents could strain relations with the United States.
