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Rubio: 'Epic Rage Has Ended' as US Operation Underway to Free Trapped Sailors in Hormuz
🇬🇷 Greece /Conflict & Security

Rubio: 'Epic Rage Has Ended' as US Operation Underway to Free Trapped Sailors in Hormuz

From Ta Nea · (36m ago) Greek Critical tone

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that approximately 23,000 sailors are trapped in the Persian Gulf, "left to their fate" as Iran disrupts shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Rubio announced that a US military operation is underway to escort ships through the strait, aiming to protect these sailors and ensure their safe passage.
  • He condemned Iran's actions as "criminal" and "desperate," urging Tehran to return to negotiations and accept a proposed deal, while asserting that US forces will defend themselves if attacked.

In a stark address from the White House, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shed light on the dire situation faced by thousands of sailors trapped in the Persian Gulf. He revealed that approximately 23,000 seafarers are effectively "left to their fate" due to Iran's continued disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio unequivocally condemned Iran's actions, labeling them as "criminal" and "desperate," highlighting the immense suffering inflicted upon innocent individuals caught in the crossfire of geopolitical tensions.

Epic Rage has ended – Operation Freedom is underway.

— Marco RubioAnnouncing the US operation to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

To counter this escalating crisis, Rubio announced the launch of a US military operation focused on escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This mission aims to provide a crucial layer of security for the stranded sailors, ensuring their safe passage amidst the ongoing threats. "They are easy targets, isolated, hungry, and vulnerable," Rubio stated, underscoring the perilous conditions these individuals endure. He noted that at least 10 sailors have already lost their lives due to this situation, a tragic consequence of Iran's maritime blockade.

Approximately 23,000 sailors have been stranded in the Persian Gulf and have essentially been 'left to their fate' as Iran strangles shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

— Marco RubioDescribing the scale of the humanitarian crisis affecting sailors.

Rubio reiterated the defensive nature of the US operation, emphasizing that American forces will only engage if fired upon. He urged Iran to return to the negotiating table and accept a proposed deal, suggesting that Tehran faces a critical choice between war and peace. The Secretary asserted that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons is evident, citing its enrichment of uranium and construction of underground facilities as proof of its insincerity. Ta Nea, reporting on this critical development, emphasizes the US perspective on the need for de-escalation and the protection of international maritime law, while also conveying the urgency of the humanitarian crisis unfolding at sea.

They are easy targets, isolated, hungry, and vulnerable.

— Marco RubioHighlighting the vulnerability of the stranded sailors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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