US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that "only stupid countries don't shoot back when you're shot at" following an attack by Iran on three American destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident has intensified already high tensions in the region.
US Military Response
The US military confirmed it had fired upon two additional Iran-flagged oil tankers attempting to breach its blockade, after disabling another vessel earlier in the week. The United Arab Emirates, which hosts American forces, also came under renewed attack from Iran.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The latest strikes have placed further strain on the fragile ceasefire, as diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war continue. Tehran is currently reviewing a US proposal that would formally halt hostilities and open negotiations on key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme.
The US stated on Thursday that it had thwarted attacks on three warships and retaliated by targeting Iranian military sites. Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day visit to Rome, Mr Rubio emphasised: "Only stupid countries don't shoot back when you're shot at. And we're not a stupid country."
Following the confrontation, former President Donald Trump commented: "They trifled with us today. We blew them away." He added a stark warning: "If there's no ceasefire, you're not going to have to know. You're just going to have to look at one big glow coming out of Iran – and they better sign their agreement fast. But they have to understand if it doesn't get signed, they're going to have a lot of pain."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised the US action on social media, stating: "Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the US opts for a reckless military adventure." He added: "Iranians never bow to pressure."
Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint
The recent clash underscores how the Strait of Hormuz has become a flashpoint in the conflict. This crucial sea channel, a major supply line for oil and gas, had remained open until the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran at the end of February. In retaliation, Tehran effectively closed the shipping lane, triggering a global energy crisis and causing prices to soar. The US then imposed its own blockade of Iranian ports, leading to a stand-off.
Concerns over future freedom of navigation through the waterway have been further heightened after Iran established an agency to approve and tax vessels seeking to use the strait, according to UK-headquartered shipping data firm Lloyd's List Intelligence. Responding to this development, Mr Rubio said: "That would be very problematic. That would actually be unacceptable."
He elaborated: "The world has to start asking itself, what is it willing to do if Iran tries to normalise control of an international waterway? Because if you normalise that, you've set a precedent that's going to get repeated in a dozen other places. And if the answer is no we don't want to normalise it, then you'd better have something more than just strongly worded statements to back it up."
The UK and France have stated they would lead a coalition aimed at safeguarding the strait once the conflict is over, but have refused to become directly involved in offensive operations against Iran.
Criticism of NATO Allies
Mr Rubio also levelled criticism at NATO, noting that one of the alliance's main advantages for the US was having forces in Europe that could be deployed where needed. Singling out Spain, which denied the US use of its bases, he added: "Now that's no longer the case, at least when it comes to some NATO members. That's a problem and has to be examined."
