US Sec's BIG Statement on US Strikes Killing Indian Crew Near Oman: 'Won't Tolerate Indian Ships Violating...'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Washington will not accept breaches of its Hormuz blockade. The warning came after Indian crew members were killed in US strikes near Oman. The issue has drawn a sharp response from India, which raised strong objections through diplomatic channels.

Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Rubio on Friday, June 12, about the deaths. India also summoned Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks the same day. New Delhi told Meeks that lethal attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian crew were unacceptable.

Hormuz blockade warning follows India's protest

On Saturday, June 13, Rubio said the US would not tolerate illicit Iranian oil transport. The warning covered movement through the Strait of Hormuz. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Rubio delivered this message during the call with Jaishankar.

Pigott also said commercial ships must follow US military instructions without delay. He stated, "The Secretary stressed that all commercial vessels should immediately comply with orders from US forces as they seek to uphold peace and security in the Strait," according to the official statement.

Hormuz blockade dispute involves Indian seafarers

The first reported incident involved the Marivex, a Palau-flagged oil tanker. US forces disabled the vessel on June 8. It was carrying 24 Indian seafarers at the time. All crew members were rescued safely after the attack.

A second Palau-flagged tanker, Settebello, was struck by the US on June 10. The vessel had 24 Indian sailors on board. Three Indian crew members died in that attack, increasing concern in New Delhi over maritime safety.

Another ship, Jalveer, was attacked on Thursday off the same wider maritime route. The tanker was flagged in Guinea-Bissau and had 20 Indians on board. The source did not state casualties from the Jalveer incident.

The developments have added strain to India-US discussions over the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio maintained that American forces were acting to protect peace and security. India, however, objected to strikes on commercial vessels carrying Indian nationals.

The matter now centres on maritime compliance, Indian crew safety, and US enforcement near Oman. Washington has linked its action to the Hormuz blockade. New Delhi has placed the loss of Indian lives at the centre of its protest.