Rubio brands Iran 'worst offenders in the world of hostage-taking' as US military guts the regime

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stinging condemnation of Iran on Monday, March 9, labeling the clerical regime as the "worst offenders in the world of hostage-taking."

Speaking at a reception for Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, Rubio emphasized that no other entity has had a more egregious history of detaining individuals unjustly.

The secretary used the occasion to highlight the ongoing success of 'Operation Epic Fury', describing the US military's offensive as an "extraordinary operation."

He maintained that the administration’s primary goal remained the safe return of every single unjustly detained American.

Honoring fallen heroes of Epic Fury

During a flag-raising ceremony at the Department of State, Rubio paid tribute to the seven "incredibly brave Americans" who lost their lives during the joint US-Israel conflict.

He noted that the nation remained in "awe of their service" and extended deep support to the families of those killed in the conflict.

Rubio specifically honored the memory of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran 19 years ago.

While Levinson is reportedly believed to have died in detention, Rubio’s remarks underscored the long-standing and often unsuccessful efforts by successive administrations to bring him home.

Iran's military capabilities rapidly depleting

The secretary of state reaffirmed that the Iranian regime’s military strength was being systematically dismantled.

He stated that with each passing day, the regime possessed fewer missiles and launchers, its industrial factories were failing, and its navy was being "eviscerated" by US and allied forces.

"Your military is getting the job done," Rubio told the audience, asserting that the global community would be "safer and a better place" once the mission was fully accomplished.

He reiterated that the depletion of these capabilities was a direct result of the precision and scale of the current offensive.

Concerns for Americans remaining in detention

Despite the military progress, Rubio did not explicitly mention other Americans currently believed to be held at Evin Prison, such as Reza Valizadeh and Kamran Hekmati.

Advocacy groups have raised urgent concerns regarding the well-being of these detainees as conflict continues to grip the region.

Rubio concluded by offering prayers and condolences for the seven service members killed, while standing firm on the necessity of the mission.

The administration remains committed to a strategy that combines military pressure with the high-stakes goal of ending Iran’s history of wrongful detentions.