New Delhi, May 06: At least ten civilian sailors have died amid the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday, underscoring the growing humanitarian toll on maritime workers in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Rubio said the victims were civilian seafarers, though he declined to disclose their nationalities or further details about the circumstances of their deaths.
“They’re isolated, they’re starving, they’re vulnerable, and at least 10 sailors have died as a result—civilian sailors,” Rubio said, without elaborating.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region, where the United States has been enforcing what it described as a defensive posture, including actions linked to a blockade of Iranian ports. Rubio maintained that Washington’s actions were not offensive in nature.
“We are only responding if attacked first. This is a defensive operation,” he said, adding that US forces would refrain from firing unless provoked. “If no shots are fired at these ships and no shots are fired at us, we’re not firing shots—but if we’re fired on, we will respond.”
Rubio also urged Tehran to “accept the reality of the situation,” while confirming that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were continuing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
Describing the negotiations as “highly complex and highly technical,” Rubio said any potential agreement would require clarity on the scope of negotiations and concessions from both sides, though he declined to provide specifics on progress.
Meanwhile, he confirmed that US authorities had been in contact with several vessels in the region, advising them on movement out of the strait as security concerns escalate.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global energy supplies, and any disruption there has significant implications for international trade and security.
