Washington, March 9 (NationPress) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the leadership of Iran on Monday of attempting to "hold the world hostage." He stated that American military forces are currently executing operations aimed at dismantling the regime's missile capabilities and undermining what he termed the world's foremost sponsor of terrorism.

"They are trying to hold the world hostage," Rubio declared during his address at the State Department, commemorating the US Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag Raising Ceremony.

"They are attacking their neighbors, they are assaulting neighboring nations, their energy infrastructure, and their civilian populations, including embassies," he continued.

Rubio emphasized that the US is engaged in a mission targeting "one of the world's preeminent hostage takers, the leading sponsor of terrorism—the regime in Iran." He began his remarks by acknowledging the American casualties that occurred during the initial hours of the operation.

"Seven Americans lost their lives in the early hours of this mission," Rubio stated, referring to them as "incredibly brave Americans." He expressed admiration for their service, bravery, and courage, extending heartfelt condolences to their families.

Rubio commended the US troops involved in the operation, asserting that they are conducting a complex military mission with precision.

"American men and women in uniform are conducting an extraordinary mission with remarkable efficacy, efficiency, and impact," he noted.

The Secretary of State articulated that the objectives of the conflict against Iran are unequivocal.

"Our mission is to eliminate the regime's capability to launch missiles by destroying their missiles, launchers, and the factories that produce them, as well as dismantling their Navy," Rubio added.

He accused Iran's leadership of wielding state power to perpetrate terrorism throughout the region.

"This is a terrorist government. This is a terroristic regime, and we’re witnessing them execute terrorism using state elements and weaponry like missiles and drones," he stated.

Rubio asserted that US military actions are already degrading Iran's capabilities.

"Each day, this regime in Iran possesses fewer missiles, fewer launchers, their factories are less productive, and their Navy is being significantly weakened," he remarked.

"The world will be a safer and better place once this mission is successfully completed."

His comments coincided with the third annual US Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day, which honors Americans detained abroad and highlights initiatives to secure their return.

Rubio noted that the observance exists because "families refuse to allow their loved ones to be forgotten."

"We celebrate those who return, honor those who have perished in captivity, and commit to bringing home those still in detention," he added.

The flag raised during the ceremony was crafted by families involved in the "Bring Our Families Home" campaign.

"It symbolizes solidarity and resolve," Rubio stated.

He also referenced the case of Robert Levinson, who vanished in Iran years ago and whose family attended the ceremony.

"March 9 marks the day Robert Levinson was last seen in Iran," Rubio said, calling the case a stark reminder of "the nature of the regime we are confronting in Tehran."

He credited US President Donald Trump for prioritizing the return of Americans detained abroad.

"From his first day in office, he has made the return of unjustly held Americans a priority of his administration," Rubio noted.

"Since his inauguration just over a year ago, more than 100 Americans have been brought back home," he added.

Rubio stated that the US administration is also striving to end what he termed "hostage diplomacy."

"We must ensure that Americans are no longer perceived as targets of opportunity globally," he emphasized.

He pointed out that the US recently classified Iran as a "state sponsor of wrongful detention," condemning Tehran as "the worst offenders in the realm of terrorism and hostage taking."