US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that allowing Iran to expand its missile arsenal would pose a serious threat, adding that preventing such an outcome was a priority for Donald Trump.
“The objectives of this operation are destroying Iran’s navy, their defense industrial base, and their ability to make missile launchers,” he said, adding that progress could be achieved “in a matter of weeks, not months”.
Rubio also addressed Iran’s threats regarding the Strait of Hormuz, warning against any attempt to control international shipping routes. He said such a move “is not going to be allowed to happen”, noting that while the US has limited reliance on the route, much of the world depends on it for energy supplies. He added that Iran has “more at stake” in the waterway and cautioned that any attempt to impose control or a tolling system would face strong opposition.