Iran’s Military Capability Tested After US-Israel Conflict, Rubio States

During an ASEAN foreign ministers session in Manila, U.S. Secretary of State Deputy Marko Rubio highlighted the impact of the recent U.S.-Israel operation on Iran’s military readiness. He said the joint strike dealt a "heavy blow" to Tehran’s armed forces and its economic foundation, leaving the country in a precarious position.

Rubio pointed out that Iran’s extensive spending on defense over the past twenty years is now being put to the test. The deteriorating situation, he argued, demonstrates how successive conflicts have eroded the country’s capacity to project power, especially in contested zones like the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. official also underscored that Iran’s lack of seriousness in diplomatic talks hampers any chance of de‑escalation. He warned that if Tehran continues to pursue a confrontational path, Washington will act to protect its strategic interests and those of its allies.

Addressing questions about U.S. casualties, Rubio reiterated that war zones inherently involve danger, emphasizing the need for careful risk assessment in any future engagement.