US Pressures Iran with Military Strikes, Here's the Objective

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Thursday (23/7) that Washington believes Iran is not yet ready to reach an agreement, but that the 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 have to pay is very high,” Rubio told several media outlets in Manila. The US acknowledged that Iran will alter its stance regarding peace negotiations with America within the coming days, Rubio said. He added that America has never stated its goal was regime change 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 a decision on the matter. The US and Iran had actually signed an agreement on peace and a cessation of conflict, which began at the end of 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 the attacks were a response to Iran’s actions against commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks against several 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 President Donald Trump subsequently declared that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was no longer in effect.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 Britain has temporarily withdrawn its embassy staff from Iran due to the deteriorating security situation following threats of new attacks from the US. Iran’s military has warned it will attack energy facilities in the region and block oil exports if the US strikes Tehran’s strategic infrastructure. Iran has operated a new air defence system to strengthen military readiness amid rising tensions with the United States following the ceasefire breakdown.