Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a stark warning early Thursday, asserting that President Trump is ready to authorize a severe and disproportionate military response to any Iranian aggression, as the two nations continue to trade fire nearly five months into the conflict.
Speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Manila, Rubio directly countered Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's recent declaration that Tehran's policy is an “eye for an eye.” “The president’s policy is a head for an eye,” Rubio told reporters. “I mean honestly, that’s what it’s going to be. They will pay a very heavy price for the things they’re doing.”
Araghchi had posted on X Wednesday that “our defense doctrine is clear: eye for an eye. Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.”
The rhetorical escalation comes after a brief period of optimism last month, when the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding that paused hostilities and reopened peace negotiations. But both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, triggering new rounds of attacks.
Rising casualties among U.S. troops and Iranian civilians are intensifying pressure on the Trump administration to de-escalate, even as some Republican lawmakers voice frustration with the president's handling of the conflict. “There’s got to be an off-ramp, that’s all there is to it,” Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) told reporters Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Trump attended a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for four American service members killed recently in Jordan and Iraq amid the fighting. The somber event underscored the human cost of the standoff.
Rubio acknowledged that Tehran appears “probably not ready” to strike a deal but predicted its leaders “will be soon.” “Because the price they’re paying is very high,” he said. “Despite all that bravado, they are suffering tremendously and they’re going to suffer more until they come to their senses. They’re not there yet, unfortunately.”
The administration has also linked Iran to proxy attacks, including recent Houthi ship assaults in the Red Sea. Trump has threatened to hold Tehran accountable for those strikes, further complicating any path to diplomacy.
