Washington: Iran will pay a higher price every day
Washington – Agencies: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Rubio announced that Iran is seeking an agreement with the United States, either directly or indirectly, and that it might secure a deal if it returns to its senses following the recent strikes. He emphasized that Iranians will pay a heavy price for continuing the war. Speaking at a press conference held yesterday on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Manila, the Philippine capital, Rubio stated that the United States does not seek regime change in Iran, but rather an Iran without nuclear weapons. He clarified that many within Iran, as well as countries speaking on Tehran’s behalf, are in contact with the U.S. to reach an agreement, but the problem is that Iranians attempt to change the terms after every agreement because they are not prepared to compromise.
The U.S. Secretary of State declined to disclose details of the ongoing communications regarding Iran, but confirmed that several foreign ministers had informed him of Tehran’s desire for a deal. He added that they “want to change the terms after every agreement because they are not prepared, and they are posting silly videos on social media.” He continued, “Therefore, they will continue to pay the price, and with each passing night, this price increases further.”
The U.S. Secretary of State said, “At the moment, it appears they have not returned to their senses, and therefore the President sees little benefit in responding to their initiatives at this stage, because, frankly, it is clear that Iran is not prepared to conclude an agreement—at least, not one they are willing to live within.” Rubio stated, “The President’s policy is ‘an eye for an eye.’ I mean, frankly, that is what the situation will be.”
Rubio affirmed that Iran is suffering very significant military and economic losses, noting that it does not publicize these losses “because it lacks a free press.” He added that Iranians deserve better leadership “than one that shoots them in the streets.” He expressed hope for a de-escalation by the Houthis in Yemen, adding, “I hope they reduce the escalation, because, frankly, I believe the Iranians deceived the Houthis and dragged them into this.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced yesterday the conclusion of the 12th round of continuous military strikes against Iran, which targeted Iranian military sites and capabilities. In a statement, CENTCOM said U.S. forces targeted “Iranian military sites including naval capabilities, facilities for storing missiles and drones, coastal surveillance sites, and air defense assets.”
U.S. officials revealed that the military used a long-range B-1 strategic bomber on Tuesday to carry out strikes targeting Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps sites, marking the first mission of its kind since hostilities with Iran resumed 12 days ago. The use of B-1 bombers, capable of carrying 24 2,000-pound bombs or dozens of cruise missiles, signals a significant escalation and expansion of the U.S. military campaign against Iran. The aircraft is also distinguished by its ability to fly at supersonic speeds at low altitudes and its larger combat payload among U.S. bombers.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East by deploying additional troops, medical personnel, and weapons, thereby giving President Donald Trump broader options for dealing with Iran. Officials stated that Washington had deployed special operations forces, reinforced fighter aircraft squadrons, and raised the readiness of bombers stationed at U.S. and British bases. According to the newspaper, these reinforcements may also give the U.S. administration greater capacity to conduct operations against the Houthi group in Yemen, alongside escalating threats to navigation security in the Red Sea.
