US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said over the weekend that President Donald Trump would prefer to resolve the war with Iran diplomatically, even as reports indicate both Washington and Tehran are preparing for possible renewed military strikes after this week's midterm elections. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry has designated the United Kingdom's Military Intelligence Services as a hostile group, accusing the Royal Navy and Air Force of supporting terrorist organisations.
Rubio told reporters that Trump has not made a decision, but expressed "incredible confidence that if we needed to do something militarily, we would have the ability to do it." "But we would prefer to do it peacefully," he added.
On Sunday, Trump told the Right Side Broadcasting Network: “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.”
The cautious tone comes as The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times report that the US is preparing for possible renewed military action after Tuesday's midterm elections. Washington has not publicly confirmed any plans to resume strikes.
On Saturday, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei called on Tehran's armed forces to meet "any level or type of threat" with "an immediate, impactful, and geographically unrestricted response." He also ordered the military database to be updated so that "all kinds of physical and non-physical assets of the U.S.-Zionist enemy are brought within the reach of the Armed Forces."
In a separate development, Iran's foreign ministry on Sunday designated the UK's Military Intelligence Services as a "hostile group," accusing the Royal Navy and Air Force of supporting "terrorist organizations." The ministry said the move was a response to what it called London's "malicious" actions, including the UK's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Tehran also accused the UK of participating in the US-Iran war by allowing American forces access to British military and logistical bases. The BBC reported that the UK had allowed US forces to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for what were described as "defensive" strikes on Iran.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The conflict could escalate after US midterms, with both sides signalling readiness for renewed strikes.
- Iran's designation of UK intelligence as hostile broadens the confrontation beyond the US-Iran axis.
- Trump's "one way or the other" statement leaves a diplomatic opening but raises the prospect of force.
Background
The US and Iran have been engaged in a direct conflict, with the UK providing logistical support to US forces. The White House has not formally announced plans for further attacks, but media reports suggest preparations are underway after the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Key Perspectives
- United States (Secretary of State Marco Rubio): The administration prefers a diplomatic resolution but is confident in its military capability if needed. President Trump says the conflict will be resolved soon, either through a deal or by force.
- Iran (Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei): Ordered the armed forces to respond to any threat with immediate and geographically unrestricted retaliation, targeting US and Israeli assets.
- Iran (Foreign Ministry): Designated the UK Military Intelligence Services as a hostile group, condemning British involvement and accusing the UK of supporting terrorist organisations.
What to Watch
- Whether the US carries out strikes after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, as reports suggest.
- The UK's official response to Iran's hostile designation.
- Any movement on a potential diplomatic deal between Washington and Tehran.