The Secretary of State for USA, Marco Rubioclassified the regime as Iran as the “world’s worst kidnapping offender” during a speech this Monday (9).
The statement took place at a reception for Hostages and Unjustly Detained Day, where the diplomat linked the practice to the current need in the region.
History of detainees and the Robert Levinson case
During the event, Rubio paid tribute to Robert Levinsonformer FBI agent who disappeared in Iranian territory 19 years ago and whose death in custody is presumed by the US government.
The secretary stated that the country will not stop efforts until all unjustly detained citizens return home.
Currently, names like Reza Valizadeh e Kamran Hekmati remain imprisoned in Evin penitentiary in Tehran.
Human rights and family organizations have expressed increasing concern about the safety of these prisoners as the War in Iran intensifies.
Balance of military operations and casualties
In addition to diplomatic criticism, Rubio praised the progress of military operations against the Iranian regime, classifying them as “extraordinary”.
According to the Secretary of State, the amount is being reduced daily, citing the systematic destruction of missileslaunchers, weapons factories and the Iranian navy.
The head of North American diplomacy also paid condolences to the families of the seven US military personnel killed in the conflict to date.
The most recent official balance identifies Sgt. Benjamin Penningtonaged 26, as the seventh fatal casualty, following injuries sustained at a base in Saudi Arabia.
Prospects for the end of the conflict
Rubio’s stance aligns with recent statements by the government of Donald Trumpwhich requires unconditional surrender of Iran as the exclusive term for the end of hostilities.
While the US claims the goal is to achieve peace and make the world “a safer place”, the Iranian government, now under the leadership of Mojtaba Khameneimaintains the position that there will be no negotiations as long as the attacks by Israel and the United States continue.
