Rubio threatens forceful response to US Navy attacks, says ‘they’re going to get blown up’

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict between the United States and Iran, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a sharp warning over threats to American naval forces. His remarks came after recent maritime clashes that further escalated already strained relations between Washington and Tehran.

The US military carried out retaliatory strikes on Iran on Thursday, May 7, targeting locations it said were linked to attacks on American warships. Washington described the action as a direct response to what it called unprovoked aggression by Tehran in international waters.

Rubio warns of forceful response to threats against US naval forces

Speaking firmly on the escalating situation, Rubio said any hostile action against US Navy vessels would be met with immediate force. “If they threaten Americans, they're going to get blown up," he said.

He also warned that Iranian speedboats operating close to US warships would be treated as hostile targets and could be destroyed if necessary. Rubio stressed that US forces would not hesitate to respond to any attack in the region.

Reiterating the stance, he added, “We’re not going to let our ships get sunk by the Iranians.”

Rubio says latest strikes separate from Operation Epic Fury campaign

Clarifying the scope of recent military action, Rubio said the strikes linked to Iranian attacks on US destroyers were distinct from Operation Epic Fury, a broader campaign targeting Iran’s military infrastructure.

Speaking to reporters in Rome on Friday, May 8, he said the recent response was “separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury,” which previously targeted missile systems, naval assets, air force installations, and other military facilities.

He added that the larger operation had concluded, reinforcing the US position on retaliation. “Only stupid countries don’t shoot back when you’re shot at. And we’re not a stupid country,” Rubio said.

US military responds after maritime clashes in Strait of Hormuz

The escalation followed reported encounters between US naval forces and Iranian vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. According to US Central Command, American forces intercepted incoming threats and carried out defensive strikes in response.

CENTCOM said US Navy destroyers were transiting the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman when they came under what it described as unprovoked Iranian action.

“US forces intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X on May 7.

It added that the response aimed to neutralize threats and ensure safe passage for US naval operations in the region.