Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the United States' objectives regarding Iran during an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC's Good Morning America on Mar. 30.
Rubio outlined the main goals of the ongoing operation against Iran, emphasizing that these include destroying Iran’s navy, missile launchers, and defense industrial base to prevent future threats to the region. He said these actions are intended to address what he described as an unacceptable risk posed by a potentially stronger Iranian military in the future.
"We are destroying Iran’s navy. We are destroying their ability – their missile launchers by a significant percentage. We’re going to wipe out their defense industrial base, meaning their ability to make new missiles and new drones in the future, because it posed a great threat to the region," Rubio said. He added that these objectives should be achieved "in a matter of weeks, not months."
Addressing questions about President Trump's comments regarding taking oil on Kharg Island and possible expansion of military targets, Rubio said: "The President has several options at his disposal, and the Department of War is preparing optionality for the President for this and various other contingencies that might arise." He also noted ongoing diplomatic efforts with what he described as a potential "new and more reasonable regime" in Iran but cautioned that such talks were still early: "There is messages being relayed back and forth, some conversations going on, including through intermediaries. And he always prefers [diplomacy]."
Rubio reiterated concerns about Iranian support for regional militant groups: "Every single terrorist group in this region has a link to the Iranian regime. Every single one: the Houthis, Hizballah, Hamas... All of their neighbors know that... which is why all of their neighbors have been supportive of the efforts we’re conducting."
He concluded by stating that while diplomatic solutions would be preferred by both himself and President Trump, preparations continue for other outcomes if negotiations do not succeed.
