U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump prefers to settle the war with Iran through diplomatic negotiations rather than additional military force, while maintaining complete operational readiness.
"He hasn't made a decision…what the president expresses to you is incredible confidence that if we needed to do something militarily, we would have the ability to do it," Rubio said, noting that "we really we have everything we need to be successful. But we would prefer to do it peacefully."
President Trump, who previously indicated that the military operation against Iran would conclude much faster than expected, stated that the conflict will finish soon either through a negotiated pact or decisive action.
Maritime Security and Regional Strain
While Washington pursues diplomatic channels, the U.S. naval blockade has diverted 144 vessels heading into or leaving Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Commercial shipping faced renewed risks after a vessel took an unknown projectile strike on November 1, following an attack on the Qatari gas carrier Al Mayeda.
Tehran faces domestic strain as Iranian officials warned citizens of winter natural gas deficits from war damage, even as Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered armed forces to expand targeting options.
