Washington: Iran has developed missiles capable of reaching deep into Europe, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, as he defended the ongoing US military action against Tehran and warned of the broader global threat posed by its weapons programme.
In an interview to Fox News, Rubio said recent launches by Iran demonstrated capabilities that had previously been denied by its leadership. “Those things… could reach well into Europe,” he said, adding that Iran had already tested such systems despite earlier claims to the contrary.
Rubio told Fox News that the missile threat was part of a broader push by Iran to expand its military reach, including efforts to develop long-range systems that could eventually target the United States. “They were moving towards eventually having a missile that could reach the continental United States,” Rubio said.
Linking the missile programme directly to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, he argued that the two must be addressed together. He said Tehran had enriched uranium to 60 per cent purity and retained the capability to quickly reach weapons-grade levels. “From 60 to 90 per cent… takes 12 to 14 days,” he said, stressing that such material has no civilian purpose.
“The only reason to have 60 per cent enriched uranium is to be able to enrich it to 90 per cent and put it in a bomb,” Rubio added, accusing Iran of refusing multiple opportunities to relinquish its stockpile.
He said the United States had launched a coordinated military campaign to prevent Iran from shielding its nuclear programme behind advanced weapons systems. The operation focuses on four objectives: destroying Iran’s air force and navy, degrading missile launchers, and dismantling factories producing drones and missiles.
“We are on or ahead of schedule on each of those four objectives,” Rubio said, adding that US forces are “very close” to achieving their goals.
The Secretary described the campaign as highly effective, calling it “one of the best-run tactical military operations in modern times.”
Despite the military push, Rubio said Washington remains open to diplomacy. “The President… would rather have negotiations than war,” he said, noting that “messages are being exchanged” and there is potential for direct talks.
However, he warned that negotiations would not be allowed to delay military objectives. “We’re not going to allow fake negotiations to be used as a delay tactic,” Rubio said, accusing Iran of stalling previous diplomatic efforts.
On maritime security, Rubio cautioned that any attempt by Iran to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would violate international law and harm the global economy. He said such actions would be “illegal” and a matter of concern for countries dependent on energy flows through the region.
(IANS)
