The United States has warned that Iran should expect more intense military action in the coming days as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.
Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said tougher measures were imminent.
“The hardest hits are yet to come from the U.S. military,” Rubio stated. “The next phase will be even more punishing.”
Rubio explained that Washington intervened over what it described as an imminent threat, noting that U.S. officials anticipated retaliation if Iran came under attack.
“We knew that if Iran was attacked by Israel, they would immediately come after us,” he said.
Backing remarks previously made by President Donald Trump, Rubio stressed that military operations would continue “as long as it takes” to achieve their objectives, adding that global security would improve once the mission is completed.
He argued that the joint U.S.-Israel operation was necessary, claiming that within a year to 18 mmonths,Iran could have reached what he described as a “line of immunity.”
“They would have had so many short-range missiles and so many drones that no one could have done anything about it,” Rubio said. “They could have held the whole world hostage.”
Although he said Washington would welcome political change in Tehran, Rubio emphasized that the core objective is to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring ballistic missiles and advanced drone capabilities.
Meanwhile, China has condemned the strikes on Iran, describing them as violations of international law and warning of wider regional consequences. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called on all parties to halt hostilities and prevent further escalation.
Beijing also denied reports alleging it had entered into a procurement agreement to supply Iran with CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles.
In a related development, Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate phone conversations with Arab leaders on Monday to discuss the worsening crisis.
Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes on targets in Israel, CCyprus,and parts of the Gulf States amid the expanding confrontation.
