Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that there was an "immediate threat" posed by Iran, justifying the decision for preemptive action to avert further American casualties.
In an interview with Fox News, Rubio elaborated that intelligence assessments suggested an immediate Iranian retaliation against U.S. interests and forces if they were attacked.
"We were aware that if Iran came under attack, they would strike back at us immediately. Our strategy was not to sit idly by and wait to be hit before responding," Rubio stated.
The U.S. chief diplomat asserted that the decision was made proactively and defensively to prevent greater harm.
He noted that failing to act would have led to more casualties and subsequent inquiries in Congress about why preemptive measures weren't taken to save lives.
Rubio clarified that the mission's aim was not regime change but to dismantle Iran's ballistic and naval capabilities.
However, he expressed hope that the Iranian people might overthrow their government. "We would love for that to happen," he remarked, while stressing that this was not the operation's direct goal.
The Secretary of State reiterated that the decision was made to prevent a scenario where U.S. forces could suffer increased casualties, particularly if Israeli action provoked reprisals against American military personnel.
According to Rubio, inaction would have resulted in facing more severe consequences.
President Donald Trump announced that Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran, might last "four weeks or less," though he later suggested it could extend to "five weeks."
Initiated on February 28, 2026, the operation is now in its third day, with a toll of hundreds of deaths and an unprecedented regional escalation.
Trump described the military offensive as "one of the most complex and overwhelming operations the world has witnessed," asserting it will persist "until all our objectives are met."
Simultaneously, he mentioned the possibility of ending it "in two or three days" if he chose to withdraw, but made clear that he would not do so.
Additionally, Trump proposed implementing a political transition model in Iran similar to the one executed in Venezuela, labeling the Venezuelan operation as "the perfect scenario, the perfect" and suggesting it as a post-ayatollah Ali Khamenei roadmap for Iran.
Key Questions on U.S. and Iran Tensions
What was the primary goal of the U.S. mission against Iran?
The primary goal was to dismantle Iran's ballistic and naval capabilities, not to change the regime.
How long is Operation Epic Fury expected to last?
President Trump indicated the operation could last "four weeks or less" but might extend to "five weeks."