Secretary of State of the United States Marco Rubio At a tense news conference in Rome on Friday, Iran clashed with reporters when asked about the status of Iran’s ceasefire following fresh military exchanges. Strait of Hormuz.
The confrontation comes amid tensions in the region after Iranian forces allegedly opened fire on a U.S. Navy destroyer operating in international waters, triggering a retaliatory response from the U.S. military.
Rubio defended the action as necessary and accused reporters of ignoring the circumstances behind the exchange.
The Daily Beast quoted Rubio as saying: “What you saw yesterday was a U.S. destroyer being shot at by the Iranians while sailing in international waters, and the United States responded defensively to protect itself.”
He added that the naval incident was “separate and different from other incidents.” Epic Fury Operation“.
Why did Rubio call a reporter’s question “stupid”?
The heated exchange escalated when reporters asked Rubio whether the ceasefire could still be considered intact if military exchanges continued.
Rubio argued that the United States acted purely in self-defense after its ships were attacked. “If you fire a drone or a missile at our destroyer, what do we do and let it hit? We have to respond,” he said.
Also read: Rubio says offensive campaign against Iran ‘over’, US explores diplomatic avenues
As one reporter noted, “The firing didn’t stop much,” and Rubio said: “Well, you should ask the Iranians, don’t ask me. We didn’t shoot; they shot at us.”
A moment later, Rubio directly attacked the premise of the question itself. “It’s a stupid question. It’s a stupid position,” he said, according to The Daily Beast.
He further defended the government’s response, adding: “Only a stupid country would not fight back when shot at, and we are not a stupid country.”
Rubio’s comments mirror Trump’s recent outbursts
Mirror America noted similarities between Rubio’s remarks and President Donald Trump’s confrontation with reporters earlier this week.
At a separate event, Trump also dismissed a reporter’s inquiry as a “stupid question” while responding to criticism of the conflict with Iran.
The exchange in Rome comes as uncertainty remains about the durability of the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Both sides have accused the other of provocation in recent days, and incidents in the Strait of Hormuz continue to raise concerns about further escalation.
Despite mounting criticism, U.S. officials insist the U.S. military is taking defensive actions to protect naval assets operating in international waters.
