US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran on Tuesday of deliberately targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and attempting to kill civilian sailors.
In an interview with India’s Network18, Rubio claimed shipping and energy flows through the waterway had recovered to between 80% and 100% of prewar levels.
However, he argued that Iran continued to threaten civilian shipping despite that recovery. He compared its alleged conduct with submarine warfare during the Second World War.
“They are doing Nazi U-boat tactics,” Rubio said. Turning to negotiations, he blamed what he described as Iran’s hardline religious leadership for difficulties reaching an agreement.
Read: Iran Says Tanker Hits Mine, Catches Fire South of Hormuz
Washington would continue exerting economic pressure on Tehran, he added. He described the aim as denying Iran resources to fund armed groups and produce missiles and drones.
