An interesting situation developed when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was confused by repeated questions asked by journalists during a press briefing at the White House and left the room, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.
Before leaving, he told media men that he was giving them 50 minutes.
Earlier during the press briefing, he said that 10 civilian sailors were killed in the Strait of Hormuz due to military confrontation.
He said that drones and boats posing a threat to the US forces would be targeted.
“The US is deploying its troops to increase the protection of commercial vessels in the Strait,” Rubio said, adding that Iran should accept the reality and come to the negotiating table.
The US secretary of state said that President Donald Trump wanted that the people of Iran should be capable of bringing about regime change in their country.
He claimed that the Operation Epic Fury had achieved its objectives.
Rubio elaborated that the purpose of Project Freedom was to protect 23,000 citizens of 87 countries who are stranded in the Gulf. “It is not aggressive, but defensive in nature,” he clarified.
He said if Iran attacked the US forces, the latter would retaliate. “If they pose a risk to us, we will defend ourselves,” he said, adding, “We will fire missiles and drones to defend ourselves.”
It was high time, he went on to say, that Iran showed maturity. “It is obvious that it is not an easy task for them because there are cracks in their leadership.”
The US secretary of state said that President Trump had always shown that he prioritized peace. “Iran should acknowledge this, come to the negotiating table, and accept those conditions, which are beneficial for it.”