US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of repeatedly violating agreements, defended Washington’s hardline approach, and reiterated that preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a top US priority.
WEB DESK: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran has repeatedly failed to honor agreements with the United States, arguing that Tehran continues to break or alter deals after they are reached while facing increasing consequences.
Speaking to reporters in Manila on Thursday, Rubio said the United States had upheld its commitments, but Iran had repeatedly reneged on agreements. He suggested Tehran was now experiencing significant costs for its actions and could reconsider its position if the pressure continued.
Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s hardline policy toward Iran, saying Washington would maintain maximum pressure unless Tehran changed course. Referring to comments from Iranian officials about an “eye for an eye” approach, Rubio argued that the US response had been even stronger, claiming Iran’s industrial infrastructure had suffered extensive damage. He added that the costs imposed on Iran would continue to rise unless its leadership altered its policies.
The US secretary also accused Iran of directing resources toward regional armed groups instead of investing in its own economy. He alleged that Tehran supports Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Shia militias, while stressing that the United States’ primary objective remains preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Addressing the conflict in Yemen, Rubio expressed hope that the Houthis would reduce tensions, claiming the group continued to receive influence from Iran.
Rubio also reaffirmed the United States’ strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia while discussing a proposed civil nuclear cooperation agreement between Washington and Riyadh. He said the agreement would be submitted to the US Congress after its formal announcement, adding that Washington prefers countries pursuing peaceful civilian nuclear energy to cooperate with the United States.
Despite his criticism of Tehran, Rubio said Washington remained open to diplomacy. He stated that the United States would welcome an agreement if Iran committed to ending support for militant groups and abandoned efforts to develop nuclear weapons or the capabilities required to produce them.
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