In a pivotal moment for U.S.-Iran relations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Iran’s era of manipulating global politics is over, following significant military action authorized by President Donald Trump. The U.S. military conducted airstrikes on several of Iran’s key nuclear facilities, marking what the President described as a “spectacular military success.”

The airstrikes, which targeted three nuclear sites, reportedly left Iran’s nuclear infrastructure severely damaged, although no human casualties were reported. President Trump emphasized the need for Iran to cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons, stating, “For 40 years, Iran has been saying ‘death to America’ and ‘death to Israel.’ If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill.”

In a follow-up interview, Rubio clarified that the U.S. is not at war with Iran but is instead responding to the regime’s failure to engage in meaningful diplomacy regarding its nuclear ambitions. “This was Iran’s choice,” he asserted, referencing the country’s history of evading negotiations with previous U.S. administrations. Rubio suggested that the military action has made the world a safer place and noted that many countries privately support the U.S. stance despite public condemnations.

When asked about potential Iranian retaliation, Rubio cautioned that such an action would be a grave miscalculation. He highlighted the U.S. military’s capabilities and the element of surprise in the operation, stating, “They did not know what happened by the time we left.” He reiterated that the U.S. aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons while offering the possibility of a peaceful nuclear energy program, contingent on compliance.

Rubio emphasized that the strike was a necessary response to Iran’s ongoing threats and outlined the broader implications for regional stability. He noted that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had been significantly degraded as a result of the strikes, stating that the regime must now decide between pursuing military nuclear ambitions or engaging in legitimate negotiations for peaceful energy.

The Secretary of State also addressed the role of European allies in dealing with Iran, expressing hope that countries like Germany and France would impose sanctions in response to Iran’s violations of international agreements. He urged for direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, dismissing the need for intermediaries.

As tensions rise, the consequences of Iran’s next moves remain uncertain. Rubio stressed that any aggression would be met with decisive action from the U.S., reiterating that the military’s success in the recent operation demonstrates a commitment to national security. “No one after last night should be under any illusions,” he concluded, affirming Trump’s resolve to protect U.S. interests.

The situation continues to unfold as all eyes are on Iran’s response and the international community’s reaction to the U.S. military’s unprecedented actions. With the stakes higher than ever, the balance of power in the Middle East hangs in the balance, leaving many to ponder the future of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its role in regional stability.