Rubio Says Trump Prefers Peace With Iran as U.S. Carries Out New Strikes
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says President Trump would prefer a peaceful resolution with Iran, even as U.S. forces carried out a new round of strikes against Iranian targets.
Rubio told reporters over the weekend that Trump had not decided on further military action, according to CNBC. He stressed that American forces have the capabilities and resources needed if a military response becomes necessary.
"But we would prefer to do it peacefully," Rubio said, keeping the door open to a deal while making clear the United States is ready to act.
"We Do Minor Strikes"
Trump confirmed Friday that U.S. forces conducted another round of limited strikes, targeting an air-defense system near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
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"We do minor strikes," Trump told reporters after arriving in West Palm Beach, Florida. "They built a little bit of an anti-aircraft device and we knocked it out in about 15 minutes, maybe five."
The president offered few other details about the operation, which he repeatedly characterized as minor.
The operation targeted Iranian military infrastructure on or near Qeshm Island. Iranian state media reported that two missiles struck the Suza area of the island, though officials did not immediately release information about damage, The Hill reported.
Trump also signaled that the conflict could end soon. "We've had such a victory, and we'll put it away very soon, one way or the other. Either they'll make a deal, or we'll just end it," he said.
Talks Continue
Rubio described negotiations as ongoing, leaving open the possibility that diplomacy could deliver the outcome Washington wants. He did not announce a completed settlement or say that Tehran had accepted American terms.
The administration is presenting military strength as leverage while leaving room for an agreement that avoids more fighting. Fox News described the approach in similar terms, reporting that Trump prefers peace but is prepared for war.
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The administration's challenge is turning its preference for peace into terms that protect American interests and can hold up under renewed pressure.
For Americans worried about another long conflict, the stated preference for peace is significant. Vice President JD Vance said this week that frustration over the war played a major role in Republican midterm losses.
Tensions with U.S. allies are also rising. Iran has designated United Kingdom military intelligence a hostile group, adding another point of friction with a major American partner.
Oil Prices Drop
Markets are watching closely. Just The News reported that oil prices fell more than 6% following Rubio's comments and signs of progress in talks. The drop accompanied those developments, though no single statement can be credited with the entire move.
For families and businesses, that matters. Oil prices affect transportation and production costs, which makes the outcome of the negotiations relevant to everyday budgets, not just foreign policy.
The question now is whether the two sides can reach terms before either chooses another round of military action. Rubio's message leaves both paths open: talks continue, and the United States remains ready if force is required.
The coming decisions will matter for American troops, regional stability, U.S. allies and businesses exposed to swings in energy prices.