US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned India’s foreign minister that violations of the US blockade on Iranian ports would not be tolerated.
Murad Ali Shah Inaugurates Azeempura Flyover in Karachi
The statement followed a phone call between Rubio and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during which both sides discussed recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Position on Maritime Enforcement
The US State Department said Rubio stressed that commercial vessels must comply immediately with orders issued by US forces in the region.
He said US operations aim to maintain peace and security in the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, he warned against any violation of the blockade or illegal transport of Iranian oil.
According to the statement, Washington will not accept actions that undermine enforcement measures in the area.
India Raises Concerns Over Strikes
India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said he protested US strikes during his conversation with Rubio.
He said the attacks off the coast of Oman resulted in the deaths of three Indian nationals. He also argued that such actions against commercial shipping are not justified.
India separately summoned the US diplomatic representative in New Delhi for the second time within a week to express formal objections.
Maritime Tensions in the Gulf
According to US Central Command, forces disabled several tankers accused of transporting Iranian oil this week.
Officials identified the vessels as M/T Jalveer, M/T Marivex, and M/T Settebello. They said the ships operated under different flags while attempting to move restricted cargo.
Tensions have increased in the region as naval enforcement operations continue in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
