Rubio urges respect for U.S. naval blockade as deal with Iran is finalized

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for strict adherence to the American naval blockade targeting vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports. This directive comes as Washington and Tehran are reportedly nearing a significant agreement, potentially to be finalized within hours.

During a call on Friday with India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Rubio stressed the importance of respecting the U.S. blockade. According to a statement released by the State Department, he "recalibrated that all merchant vessels must immediately comply with the orders of U.S. forces, which seek to maintain peace and security in the strait."

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all merchant vessels must immediately comply with the orders of U.S. forces, which seek to maintain peace and security in the strait.

Rubio further underscored that "violations of the U.S. blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated." This statement follows recent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reported an attack on a ship attempting to transit the strait without authorization, while the U.S. condemned Tehran's launch of drones in this critical strategic passage.

Despite these tensions, mediators from Pakistan suggest that a deal between the U.S. and Iran to end the conflict and reopen the strait is closer than ever, with a potential signing within the next 24 hours. Rubio's firm stance on the blockade indicates the U.S. commitment to enforcing its maritime security measures even as diplomatic efforts advance.

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violations of the U.S. blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated.