US Secretary of State: Iranian industrial and defense bases largely destroyed
Kuala Lumpur, July 23 (KUNA) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Iran’s industrial and defense bases have been “largely destroyed,” emphasizing that “Tehran is already paying a very high price an
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Kuala Lumpur, July 23 (KUNA) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Iran’s industrial and defense bases have been “largely destroyed,” emphasizing that “Tehran is already paying a very high price and may be forced to reconsider its position in the coming days.”
Rubio, speaking after participating in the 59th meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers and related meetings held in the Philippine capital, Manila, stated that Iran is losing missile launch platforms and radar systems on a daily basis. He noted that Iran is incurring damages worth billions of dollars, leaving its economy in a “catastrophic situation,” adding that Tehran is “suffering severely” despite its political and media rhetoric.
Rubio pointed out that Tehran is communicating with Washington both directly and indirectly, while simultaneously casting doubt on Iran’s genuine readiness to reach an agreement.
Regarding Washington’s objectives, Rubio affirmed that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to ensure that Iran is devoid of nuclear capabilities and does not make the change of the Iranian regime a goal.
The Philippines, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year, is hosting the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings from July 20 to 24 to discuss international security developments amid escalating fighting in the Middle East, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and rising tensions in the South China Sea.
The meetings are attended by ASEAN’s Principal Dialogue Partners, including India, the United States, Canada, Russia, China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
ASEAN was established in 1967 with the aim of promoting regional cooperation and stability. It currently comprises 11 member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste. (End)
