Rubio Blasts Iran’s Shipping Tactics
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Iran of using tactics reminiscent of “Nazi U-boats” against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, expressing concern that negotiating with Tehran is particularly challenging due to its leadership being influenced by “radical Shia clerics.”
In a recent interview with India’s News18, Rubio condemned Iran’s persistent assaults on civilian ships, even as American forces effectively protect most commercial traffic in this crucial waterway.
When questioned about whether the situation might escalate into military confrontation or if a peaceful resolution is possible, Rubio voiced significant doubts regarding Iran’s readiness to negotiate.
“Well, it’s tough to make a deal with the Iranian regime,” he commented, noting that the leadership, influenced by radical clerics, lacks negotiation skills.
Rubio highlighted the ideological extremism of Iran’s rulers, emphasizing that their religious zeal presents a formidable barrier to any potential agreements. “I’m not just talking about ordinary Shia clerics; it’s really these radical ones, driven by their theology — making a deal with them is quite difficult.”
Despite the ongoing attacks, he noted that U.S. initiatives to safeguard the Strait have helped commercial shipping rebound to nearly prewar levels, suggesting that traffic levels are now around 80 to 100 percent of what they were before conflict began.
However, Rubio cautioned that this recovery should not disguise Iran’s intention to actively target civilian shipping and crews. “The discussion should focus on the fact that we have a nation-state that is openly saying they are targeting commercial vessels; they are trying to kill sailors who are not involved in the war; they are attempting to sink commercial ships,” he stated emphatically.
“You really haven’t seen that since World War II,” he added, comparing it to the tactics of Nazi U-boats aimed at disrupting supply lines by sinking merchant vessels.
Iran has continued its missile and drone assaults on commercial ships in the Strait, with U.S. forces largely intercepting these threats but occasionally some do manage to get through and strike targets. “Every now and then, unfortunately, one will get through and hit a ship,” Rubio remarked.
He acknowledged that while many damaged vessels manage to continue their journeys, some attacks have resulted in serious damage and loss of life, including incidents affecting Indian sailors.
His comments were further fueled by a recent attack on the container ship GFS Pride, which caught fire and eventually sank under tow. This incident highlights the persistent risks faced by ships in the area.
The U.S. has sustained naval protections for commercial shipping along with efforts to enforce a blockade aimed at reducing Iranian oil revenues and increasing pressure on Tehran’s shaky economy.
Rubio reiterated that the U.S. administration intends to maintain economic pressure, criticizing the Iranian regime for misappropriating resources intended for its citizens and redirecting them towards terrorism and weaponry. “They use it to sponsor terrorism, make missiles and drones — to target commercial vessels,” he said.
As the situation evolves, Iran persists in demanding concessions from the U.S. before engaging in negotiations or officially reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that the waterway would remain closed unless Washington meets Tehran’s demands, notwithstanding Rubio’s assertion that commercial traffic has sufficiently rebounded.
This ongoing diplomatic impasse comes amidst reports that Tehran is intentionally extending negotiations as a strategy to hinder Trump from achieving a political win before the approaching midterms. While Rubio didn’t dismiss the prospect of negotiations or forecast imminent U.S. military escalation, his statements reinforced a stance that highlights the necessity for Iran’s attacks on commercial vessels to cease while maintaining economic and military pressure.
