Marco Rubio Tells Ships To Follow US Orders
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar that all commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz should immediately comply with orders from US forces. The call came amid heightened maritime tensions and Indian concerns over the safety of seafarers in the region.
Rubio Jaishankar Call On Hormuz
Rubio conveyed Washington’s position during a phone call with Jaishankar, stressing that commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz must follow instructions issued by US forces.
The United States said its forces were acting to uphold peace and maritime security in the key waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical shipping routes for crude oil and energy supplies.
Strait Of Hormuz Shipping Tensions
The warning follows rising tensions around commercial shipping in the Gulf. The US has said vessels violating its blockade or transporting Iranian oil without authorisation would not be tolerated.
The development comes days after Indian seafarers were reportedly killed in a US action involving commercial shipping, prompting strong concern from India. New Delhi has emphasised the need to protect civilian mariners and ensure safe passage for vessels.
India Raises Maritime Safety Concerns
Jaishankar conveyed India’s concerns over the safety of Indian nationals working on commercial vessels in the region. India has maintained that maritime security measures must not endanger civilian crews.
The call reflects growing pressure on countries with shipping interests in the Gulf as military enforcement, energy security and diplomatic negotiations around Iran continue to overlap.
