Marco Rubio: Fractures in Iranian leadership and US objectives in Iran

American Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that there are fractures in the leadership in Tehran and expressed optimism regarding collaboration with Iranian officials who have sent positive messages to Washington. Rubio listed the U.S. objectives in the conflict with Iran, which include the destruction of Iranian air, naval, and missile launch capabilities.

He also mentioned that there are personalities in Iran who are willing to steer the country in a different direction, but he refused to disclose their identities to avoid putting them in danger. On the same day, President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. is engaging in discussions with a "new and more reasonable regime" in Iran, but reiterated threats to destroy Iranian energy infrastructure if an agreement is not reached.

Despite the airstrikes that have decimated Iranian leadership, Tehran continues its reprisals against Israel and American interests in the region.