Rubio warns Iranian boats firing at Americans will be blown up

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended US military action during an exchange of fire with Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz.

He said Iranian boats firing at Americans would be "blown up".

Rubio made the comments in Rome, according to the supplied report.

He also said he expected Iran to respond on Friday to a US peace proposal.

The remarks point to a sharp rise in tension around one of the world's most sensitive waterways.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global energy shipments, so any military confrontation there can quickly draw wider concern.

The supplied material does not give details on casualties, damage or the exact sequence of the exchange of fire.

It also does not say which US assets were involved or whether any Iranian vessels were hit.

Rubio's comments suggest Washington is seeking to combine military deterrence with diplomacy.

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