US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump‘s policy toward Iran is “a head for an eye,” warning Tehran that it will pay a very high price for attacks on Americans and US interests.
Rubio made this statement at the ASEAN summit in Manila, responding to a question about remarks from Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who referred to the principle of “an eye for an eye.” “They will pay a very high price for what they are doing. They are already paying a very high price,” Rubio said. He noted that Iran’s industrial and defense-industrial base is “largely destroyed,” and Tehran continues to lose launchers and radar systems. “They are losing launchers. Every night they lose radars. They are suffering billions of dollars in losses, and their economy is a disaster,” he added.
US goal: a denuclearized Iran
Rubio emphasized that the goal of the Trump administration is a denuclearized Iran, not regime change. “I think the United States seeks a denuclearized Iran that will never have nuclear weapons,” Rubio said. “Our main goal is to deprive Iran of the ability to create a nuclear weapon. It should never obtain one.”
In response to a question about whether Washington is satisfied with the current leadership of Iran, Rubio replied: “They cannot have nuclear weapons.” He also rejected the suggestion that Trump had made regime change the goal of the conflict. “He never said that regime change was the goal,” Rubio noted. “From the very beginning of the operation, it was clearly defined that we would destroy their launchers, drones, factories, and fleet.” Rubio added that Washington’s national interest lies in ensuring that Iran never obtains nuclear weapons.
Iran not ready for a deal
Rubio does not believe that Iran is ready for a deal with Washington, despite constant indirect signals about negotiations. “These people contact us every day, begging: let’s make a deal. They send us messages through other countries, third parties,” Rubio said. “The problem is that every time these people make a deal, they either violate it or later want to change its terms.”
“I don’t think they are seriously inclined to make a deal,” he said, adding: “I think they will be ready soon because the price they are paying is very high.” Rubio repeated that Iran is already suffering significant losses and will suffer even greater ones until it changes its behavior.
Question about Russia
When asked about reports that US intelligence is investigating whether Russia assisted Iran’s drone strikes on CIA facilities in the Persian Gulf, Rubio refused to comment on specific allegations. “Let’s assume it’s true. I, of course, would not discuss it in the press,” he said.
Rubio noted that Iran has been building up its military capabilities for years, which it is now using. “No help to Iran makes it more capable of striking Americans,” he said. “For nearly two decades, Iran has not only sponsored terrorism but also created long- and short-range missiles, as well as drones.” He added that Tehran intends to double its stockpiles and use missiles and drones as a deterrent against any action against its nuclear program. “The world will be safer because we have eliminated this threat,” Rubio summarized, referring to US military actions against Iran’s capabilities.
Source: Iran International
