Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a stark warning to Iran on Friday: attack a U.S. Navy vessel and you won’t survive it.
“If they threaten Americans, they’re going to get blown up,” Mr. Rubio said. “That’s how much clearer can you be than that?”
His blunt remarks came after U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged fire Thursday in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening an already fragile ceasefire between the two nations. Central Command said its forces shot down Iranian missiles, drones and small boats targeting U.S. warships, and struck Iranian military facilities in retaliation.
Mr. Rubio showed little patience for ambiguity about the rules of engagement. “Only stupid countries don’t shoot back when you’re shot at, and we’re not a stupid country,” he said.
He warned that Iranian fast boats attempting to swarm U.S. destroyers would be destroyed. “If you are a missile launching guy… and you fire a missile at the United States and we saw you fire it, we’re going to hit you,” Mr. Rubio added.
Separately, Mr. Rubio said Friday that Iran’s response to a U.S.-proposed peace deal was expected by end of day. “I hope it’s a serious offer. I really do,” he said.
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