Rubio Discusses Hormuz With Jaishankar, Says Commercial Vessels Must Follow US Orders
News18 • • world
Key Points:
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that all commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz must comply with U.S. orders amid an ongoing naval blockade of Iranian ports aimed at maintaining regional peace and security.
- Rubio emphasized that violations of the U.S. blockade and illicit transport of Iranian oil would not be tolerated, reinforcing Washington's stance during their telephonic discussion.
- Jaishankar condemned the killing of three Indian mariners in a U.S. strike on a merchant vessel near Oman, calling such lethal actions against commercial shipping unjustified and lodging a strong protest with the U.S. government.
- The conflict in West Asia, initiated by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, has resulted in at least 13 Indian casualties and ongoing risks to Indian lives due to the naval blockade and hostilities.
- Despite the fragile ceasefire, the U.S. and Iran continue negotiations for a potential agreement to end the war in West Asia, while India calls for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace.