Rubio confirms 10 civilian sailors killed in ‘chokehold’ of Strait of Hormuz

WEB DESK: Ten civilian sailors have died as a result of the escalating maritime crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has confirmed.

Speaking at a White House briefing on Tuesday, Rubio described the conditions for those trapped in the strategic waterway as “vulnerable” and “starving”, according to Al Jazeera.

The Secretary of State accused Tehran of attempting to “normalise” the disruption of international shipping, stating that crews were effectively being held hostage while the Iranian government seeks to impose a “new normal” on the vital energy route.

While Rubio did not provide specific details regarding the nationalities of the deceased or the exact circumstances of their deaths, he emphasised that the victims were non-combatants caught in the crossfire of the regional standoff.

Defensive operations and diplomatic stalemate

The deaths come as the US military concludes its offensive phase, dubbed ‘Operation Epic Fury’, shifting instead to a defensive posture to protect commercial vessels.

Rubio insisted that the US is currently only responding if attacked first, though he reiterated that Washington would not allow Iran to maintain a permanent “chokehold” on the strait.

Despite a shaky ceasefire being in place, tensions remain high; the United Arab Emirates reported drone and missile attacks earlier this week, and Iran has recently implemented a “sovereign” permit system requiring all vessels to seek prior authorisation before transit.

Envoys are reportedly exploring diplomatic solutions through mediators, but the White House maintains that any long-term agreement must address Iran’s nuclear material and the total restoration of freedom of navigation.