'A head for eye': Rubio fires back at Iran's 'eye for an eye' warning
WASHINGTON, DC: The renewed hostilities between the US and Iran show no signs of slowing as Secretary of State Marco Rubio fired back at Tehran, declaring that America's policy toward Iran is "a head for an eye."
The tension between the US and Iran flared up in early July after the IRGC attacked commercial vessels near Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a forceful response from Washington.
.@SecRubio on Iran: I saw their foreign minister say something about their policy is an eye for an eye. The President's policy is a head for an eye—honestly. That's what it's going to be. They're paying a very heavy price for the things they're doing. pic.twitter.com/i2DiHefheO
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 23, 2026
Marco Rubio warns Tehran of heavy price for threats
Marco Rubio, speaking at a high-level ASEAN diplomatic gathering, took a hardline stance on Iran's attack and responded to Tehran's “eye for an eye” revenge warning.
"I heard their foreign minister say, 'an eye for an eye'. The president's view is a head for an eye. That's what it's gonna be,” Rubio said at the diplomatic meeting on Thursday, July 23.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran's defense doctrine is an 'eye for an eye':
— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) July 22, 2026
"Our defense doctrine is clear: eye for an eye.
Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.
Those who contribute to such… pic.twitter.com/nlcpcFIO5l
During the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Philippines, Rubio was asked about Iranian officials referring to an “eye for an eye” policy, which some interpret as a threat against President Trump and his family.
Recently, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed “eye for an eye” as their defense strategy.
“They will pay a very heavy price for the things they are doing. They are already paying a heavy price,” Rubio said, adding that Tehran’s industrial infrastructure was already being “decimated,” resulting in billions of dollars in damage.
Rubio says Iran is not serious about deals
Rubio further said that although Iran comes “begging” for a deal, it is not serious about one.
Iran sends a message that it wants to make a deal, but every time a deal is reached, either they break it or demand changes after “entering” the deal.
“The problem with them is you can’t make a deal with people unless they’re going to keep it,” Rubio said.
"Despite their tough talk, and their flowery language and stupid LEGO videos they put out — despite all that bravado, Iran is suffering and is gonna suffer more until they come to their senses," he added.
US-Iran conflict enters twelfth day amid escalation
The exchange of fire between the US military and Iran entered its 12th day after hostilities resumed on July 6, putting last month's fragile MoU under severe strain.
Both Washington and Tehran have indicated the truce has effectively collapsed, with the conflict now escalating toward a potential full-scale war.
