Rubio says in an interview Iran is difficult to negotiate with and accuses Tehran of using ‘Nazi U-boat tactics’ at sea

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran was difficult to negotiate with and accused Tehran of using “Nazi U-boat tactics” by targeting commercial shipping.

Rubio made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi in Mumbai on Tuesday, October 20, during a three-day visit to India.

“It’s tough to make a deal with the Iranian regime,” Rubio said, arguing that Iran’s leadership was controlled by “radical Shia clerics” driven by theology. He stressed that he was referring specifically to radical clerics, not Shia clerics generally.

Rubio said maritime traffic and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz were running at roughly 80% to 100% of pre-war levels, but accused Iran of continuing to attack commercial vessels and sailors not involved in the war.

“You haven’t seen that since the Second World War,” Rubio said. “They are doing Nazi U-boat tactics.” He said U.S. forces were intercepting most Iranian drones and missiles launched at ships, although some were still getting through.

Iranian officials have previously acknowledged stepping up attacks on vessels they say violate Tehran’s restrictions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. has maintained naval operations to protect commercial shipping.