Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran on Sunday that retaliating against American forces would be the "worst mistake" it could ever make. Rubio emphasized Iran's vulnerability, pointing out their lack of control over their airspace and their inability to protect their leaders, following devastating US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rubio stated that the US's objective in the region is not to engage in war with Iran. "We're not looking for war in Iran, but if they attack us, then I think we have capabilities they haven't even seen yet," he said in an interview with Fox News. He reiterated Washington's commitment to safeguarding its personnel and mentioned that the US would impose costs on Iran if they attacked American personnel directly or through proxies.
The US targeted Iran's nuclear sites using six bunker-buster bombs dropped on the Fordo facility with B-2 stealth bombers, and launched dozens of submarine-launched cruise missiles on the Natanz and Isfahan facilities. Rubio urged Iran to focus on legitimate nuclear energy development rather than pursuing weapons programs. He mentioned that Washington's nuclear offer is still open and that they are ready to negotiate.
When questioned about Iran's potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio called it 'economic suicide' for Iran and urged China to communicate with Tehran on this matter. Iran's Parliament has agreed to close the Strait, pending a final decision from the Supreme National Security Council, as stated by Major General Esmaeil Kowsari, a member of the parliament's National Security Commission.
Rubio further claimed that Iran had all necessary components for nuclear weapons, including enrichment capability and highly enriched uranium sufficient for several bombs. He accused Iran's space program of being a cover for developing intercontinental ballistic missiles aimed at reaching the United States. Following the US strikes, Rubio asserted that Iran no longer has the infrastructure to develop nuclear weapons.