“We Are Ready to Negotiate on Iran’s WMD Nuclear Program for Global Lasting Peace” – Secretary of State Marco Rubio

“We Are Ready to Negotiate on Iran’s WMD Nuclear Program for Global Lasting Peace” – Secretary of State Marco Rubio
[Washington, June 22, 2025]

Following the historic U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s three nuclear sites, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the United States remains ready for negotiations. However, he also issued a stern warning — if Iran takes provocative steps like closing the Strait of Hormuz, it would be a “suicidal decision.”

On CBS News’ Face the Nation, Rubio said the strikes were not against the Iranian people but against their nuclear weapons program.
“This is not a regime change operation,” he emphasized.

Rubio stated that if Iran now chooses to come to the negotiating table, the U.S. is prepared. But if Iran takes a different path, there will be consequences. He noted that President Trump had already offered a diplomatic solution before the attacks.

Rubio warned that nearly 20% of the world’s energy supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and if it is closed, the impact would be devastating not only to the global economy but also to China.
“If they do something like that, the entire world will unite against Iran,” he cautioned.

Former General Frank McKenzie said that if Iran lays mines, the U.S. is fully prepared to remove them and regularly conducts exercises for such operations. Rubio added that the U.S. is not planning any new attacks unless Iran again targets the U.S. or its interests.

“Operation Midnight Hammer”:
The U.S. operation was code-named “Operation Midnight Hammer,” which caused extensive damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said a full assessment is still underway.

Although National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard testified before Congress that Iran is not making weapons—a claim President Trump rejected—Rubio asserted that Iran is already enriching uranium up to 60% and developing intercontinental missiles, which go beyond peaceful purposes.

Rubio said nearly 40,000 U.S. troops are deployed in the Middle East, ready to defend against attacks.
“We will protect our bases and people — and anyone who attacks will be answered,” he said.