The Secretary of State Marco Rubio published a video on the official State Department account this Monday, in which he reflected on the potential of Iran if its leadership had allocated the country's resources towards the well-being of its people instead of funding terrorism and armament.
"Imagine if in Iran, instead of spending its wealth, billions of dollars supporting terrorists or weapons, they had spent that money helping the Iranian people. They would have a very different country," said Rubio.
The secretary added that if there are people in Iran willing to "move in a different direction" for their country, "it would be a positive thing," and emphasized that the U.S. administration always hopes that exists there.
The statements come within the context of the Operation Epic Fury, the joint military campaign of the United States and Israel against Iran that began on February 28, 2026, which has destroyed a significant portion of Iran's military capability.
The Pentagon reported that the operation reduced Iranian missiles by 90% and drones by 95%. Last Thursday, Rubio informed the G7 gathered in Paris that the war will conclude in a matter of weeks, not months.
Rubio's argument regarding Iranian spending on terrorism is supported by concrete data: the Department of State estimated in 2020 that Iran provided $700 million annually to Hezbollah and about $100 million annually to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Meanwhile, the Iranian economy is facing a severe crisis. More than 30 million Iranians, one third of the population, live in poverty according to the World Bank, with an inflation rate exceeding 40% overall and between 60% and 70% for food.
Independent estimates raise poverty levels to 40% and 50% nationwide, exceeding 50% in Tehran. Minimum wages do not meet the basic needs of the population.
In parallel to military operations, indirect negotiations with Iran —mediated by Pakistan— are progressing with difficulty. Iran rejected a U.S. proposal of 15 points and presented five of its own conditions, including sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and the payment of reparations.
On Sunday, Iranian forces attacked the Prince Sultan base in Saudi Arabia, injuring 12 American military personnel, in an escalation that further strained the diplomatic landscape.
Trump extended a pause on attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure until April 6 of 2026, citing progress in discussions. Rubio had previously clarified to Arab ministers that the United States is not formally seeking a regime change, but rather different individuals leading the country.
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