US Secretary Marco Rubio Warns Iran of Increasing Costs Amid Deal Stalemate

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in an interview that Iran is pleading daily for a deal but repeatedly changes its position, preventing an agreement. Rubio emphasized that President Donald Trump is raising the stakes and warned that the price Iran will pay will increase every night. He noted that Trump currently sees no reason to respond to Iran's threats, maintaining a policy of "an eye for an eye," and expects Iran to suffer heavily until it agrees to a deal.

President Trump echoed Rubio's remarks, saying Iran is not ready to finalize a deal but will be soon. White House spokeswoman Caroline Lewitt shared a recent report that Trump ordered the US Central Command to "open the gates of hell" against Iran following an attack that killed American soldiers. Subsequently, the US military launched a series of 12 strikes on Iranian military targets aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels in regional waters.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared Iran's defense doctrine as "an eye for an eye," warning that any aggression against Iran, including attacks on its infrastructure, would provoke a strong and decisive response. He also stated that anyone supporting such aggression would be considered a legitimate target.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, declaring a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia. The Houthis framed their actions as part of the "US war on Iran," naming the targeted vessels as "Ansalia" and "Layla."