U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the primary objectives regarding Iran, emphasizing that the administration's immediate focus remains the neutralization of Tehran's strategic military assets.
"Our priority and focus is the elimination of their ballistic missile potential and their production capacities, as well as removing the threats their navy poses to global shipping. That is the goal," Rubio stated.
While clarifying the mission's technical scope, Rubio expressed support for internal political change in Iran, though he noted it remains a separate aspiration from the current military-strategic objectives.
"At the same time, we would not object—and would not be heartbroken—and we hope that the Iranian people can overthrow this government and build a new future for their country. We would very much like to see that become possible," he added.
However, the Secretary of State reiterated that the specific mission at hand is strictly defined: "The goal of this mission is the destruction of their ballistic missile and naval capabilities."