Rubio says Iran has retained half of its missile arsenal

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran had used about half of the missile capability it had before the start of the U.S. and Israeli military operation, adding that Tehran’s military and industrial capacity had been badly weakened.

“Now they have half the missiles,” Rubio said in an interview with Fox News, according to a report by TASS. He also said Iran had lost its production capacity and no longer had a navy or air force.

Rubio said Iranian negotiators were “serious” about reaching a deal with Washington because Tehran was trying to “get themselves out of the mess that they’re in.” He said Iran’s economy had been hit by sanctions, inflation and other pressures, while its position had worsened after the conflict.

The United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on April 7 and later said he intended to extend it. Tehran has said it does not recognise Washington’s unilateral extension and would act in line with its own interests.

Rubio also said the main obstacle to a long-term agreement was Iran’s internal divisions, saying Iranian negotiators had to coordinate with competing factions inside the country’s leadership.

N. Tebrizli