WASHINGTON, Aug 02 (Alliance News): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed that Iran appears more willing than before to negotiate over its nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz following recent US military strikes.
In an interview with Fox News, Rubio said the strikes had damaged parts of Iran’s naval and air capabilities, missile defence systems, missile launch facilities and some weapons production sites, reducing the country’s military capacity.
He said the attacks had altered the regional security landscape and strengthened Washington’s position in any future negotiations with Tehran.
According to Rubio, recent developments indicate that Iran is now more prepared to engage in dialogue because its defensive capabilities have been significantly weakened.
However, the US secretary of state acknowledged that Iran still possesses missiles and drones capable of causing damage, although he maintained that the country’s overall military strength had declined compared to before the strikes.
Iran has not immediately issued an official response to Rubio’s remarks.
Analysts say tensions between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the security of the Strait of Hormuz remain a key source of instability in the Middle East.
