Marco Rubio Warns Iran of Heavy Price as War Escalates
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Iran will pay a “very heavy price” as American military strikes continue and diplomatic efforts to end the renewed conflict remain stalled.
Rubio Warns Iran of Heavy Price
Speaking during a visit to Manila, Rubio said Washington would maintain military pressure until Tehran was prepared to accept an agreement. He claimed Iran had sought negotiations but repeatedly attempted to alter or breach previous deals.
Rubio described President Donald Trump’s response as stronger than Iran’s stated “eye for an eye” policy. Trump separately said Tehran wanted an agreement but was not yet ready to finalise one, adding that its position could change as US strikes intensified.
US-Iran Peace Efforts Remain Stalled
The latest escalation followed the collapse of a memorandum of understanding that had temporarily suspended hostilities. Iran said its retaliatory attacks would continue while the United States targeted its infrastructure and coastal areas.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that attacks against bridges, power plants and other civilian infrastructure would receive a “decisive response”. Tehran has maintained that a sustainable ceasefire requires Washington to halt its military campaign.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate
US forces continued striking Iranian military facilities, communications networks and coastal positions as Washington sought to protect maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategically important passage has faced severe disruption during the conflict.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it had attacked American military assets in Jordan and Kuwait, including missile-defence systems and aircraft facilities. These battlefield claims were not independently verified.
Trump also threatened Iran and the Houthis with further military action following attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The widening conflict has disrupted aviation and shipping while pushing Brent crude prices to around $100 a barrel.
