US EditionDemocrats’ Newfound Unity Faces a Test After US and Israeli Strikes on Iran
Rubio said US strikes targeted Iran's missile, drone, and naval assets to prevent higher American casualties from expected retaliation after an Israeli attack plan.
- On March 2, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States struck Iran only after learning Israel planned a strike, briefing congressional leaders at the US Capitol, Washington, DC.
- Pointing to Tehran's orders, Rubio warned Iran had told field commanders to respond automatically if attacked and that failing to preempt would increase US casualties.
- Targeting military hardware, Rubio said the mission aimed to destroy Iran's ballistic missile and naval capabilities, with Secretary Pete Hegseth attributing a Saturday strike in Tehran to Israel that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Tehran retaliated with drone and missile launches against American bases and assets in the Gulf, while the US military confirmed its death toll rose to six after recovering two bodies; Rubio said, `No matter what, ultimately this operation needed to happen.`
- Rubio said, 'less than 48 hours after talks,' and that the US would like to see Iran's clerical state overthrown, with Netanyahu crediting US President Donald Trump for assistance.
66 Articles
66 Articles
Rubio says US was drawn into Iran war over planned Israeli action
US Secretary of State said Washington knew an Israeli strike on Iran would trigger attacks on American forces and acted first to prevent heavier casualties, speaking before a closed-door briefing to Congress
US predicted 'imminent' Iranian threat in response to Israeli attack: Rubio
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States attacked Iran over the “imminent” threat posed by an Iranian response to an Israeli attack that the U.S. knew was coming. The Trump administration gave out a flurry of explanations for the largest U.S. combat operation since the 2003 Iraq War on Monday, following the Saturday morning attack. Speaking with reporters, Rubio claimed the danger posed by an Iranian response was too great to sit ou…
The U.S. attacked Iran "preventively" on Saturday after learning that its ally, Israel, was going to launch an attack, which would have meant reprisals against U.S. forces, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
'Absolutely Was an Imminent Threat': Rubio Says Israeli Strike Plan ...
US Secretary of State Marko Rubio stated this evening that the purpose of the US military action against Iran is to "eliminate the threat" from its short-range ballistic missiles and the threat from the country's navy, and "especially its equipment", CNN reports, adding that Rubio also referred to the "imminent threat" from the Islamic State.
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