US Pressures Iran with Military Strikes, Here's the Objective
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday (23/7) that Washington assesses Iran is not yet ready to reach an agreement, but that this situation will soon change.
“So they may not be ready to make a deal yet, but they will be ready soon because the price they are having to pay is very high,” Rubio told a number of media outlets in Manila.
The US expects Iran to change its stance on peace negotiations with America in the coming days, Rubio said. He added that the United States has never stated that its aim is to replace the regime in Iran, but rather the denuclearisation of Iran.
Responding to the possibility of an escalation of the conflict with Iran in the coming days, Rubio said US President Donald Trump would make the decision on the matter.
The US and Iran had in fact signed an agreement on peace and the cessation of hostilities, which began in late February, on 18 June 2026. However, since 8 July, US forces have again launched several waves of attacks against Iran.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the strikes were a response to Iran’s actions against commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on a number of US military bases in the Middle East. President Donald Trump subsequently declared that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was no longer in effect.
The US has sent special forces, fighter jets and medical personnel to the Middle East as President Trump considers escalating the conflict against Iran and the Houthis.
Britain has temporarily withdrawn embassy staff from Iran following a deteriorating security situation after new US threats of attack.
The Iranian military has warned it will strike energy facilities in the region and block oil exports if the US attacks Tehran’s strategic infrastructure.
Iran has deployed its latest air defence system to strengthen military readiness amid renewed tensions with the United States following the ceasefire.
The US-Iran conflict is heating up further. Donald Trump has threatened to destroy power plants and even bridges in Iran if there are attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.