Rubio defends strikes on commercial vessels in call with Jaishankar, cites 'violation' of blockade order

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday that all commercial vessels must immediately comply with US directives in the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing tensions over US attacks on merchant ships in the region, news agency PTI reported. .

According to PTI report, Rubio said that violations of the US blockade and the transport of Iranian oil would not be 'tolerated'.

The remarks came during a telephone conversation between Rubio and Jaishankar, who is currently on a visit to Europe.

India raises deaths of three mariners in US attack

During the call, Jaishankar raised the issue of three Indian mariners who were killed in a US military strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

The incident occurred after three Indian-crewed vessels came under US attack near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz this week, as tensions escalated around the strategically important waterway.

More from World

The deaths triggered strong protests from New Delhi, which expressed concern over the safety of Indian nationals working on commercial ships in the region.

India lodges protest with US

On Friday, India summoned the most senior American diplomat in New Delhi for the second time this week to protest attacks by US forces on merchant vessels in West Asia.

The Indian government has conveyed its concerns over the strikes and the loss of Indian lives, while seeking accountability and assurances regarding the safety of commercial shipping in the region.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had earlier said that attacks on merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members must stop immediately. He also called for dialogue and diplomacy to help restore peace and stability in the region at the earliest.