Published: Mar 03, 2026, 06:45 IST | Updated: Mar 03, 2026, 06:45 IST
In the ongoing US‑Iran war, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States launched strikes on Iran pre‑emptively, aiming to protect American forces and allies from anticipated retaliatory attacks once Israel’s planned assault began — acting before Iran could respond with its own missiles and drones. Rubio framed the move as a defensive action intended to limit U.S. casualties and blunt Tehran’s offensive capabilities in the broader conflict unfolding across the Middle East