Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Apr 1: The United States is reportedly “ahead of schedule” in achieving its objectives in Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a Fox News interview, praising ongoing military operations for their speed and precision.

“We’re well on our way and ahead of schedule on each of our objectives. We can see the finish line,” Rubio stated, crediting US forces with executing what he described as “one of the best-run tactical military operations in modern times.”

Responding to criticism that the crisis could have been avoided through diplomacy, Rubio argued that Iran had repeatedly failed to engage seriously. “They refused to negotiate... they were given every opportunity, in multiple talks, and all they did was either reject or delay, and that's not going to happen under Donald Trump,” he said.

Rubio framed the US actions as essential to counter a growing strategic threat from Tehran, warning that without intervention, Iran could have become “the next North Korea, except run by radical Shia clerics with intercontinental missiles that could reach the US.”

While emphasising that Washington remains open to dialogue, Rubio stressed that negotiations would not be allowed to act as a delaying tactic. “We'll always be prepared to talk — but we're not going to allow that, or the failure of talks, to impede our ability to defend this country and protect this country from a real threat,” he said.

His comments underscore a dual-track US strategy: maintaining readiness for talks while continuing military operations considered critical to national security, projecting confidence in the efficiency and effectiveness of the campaign.