Overview
- Testifying to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tehran is "probably weaker than it has ever been" and cannot address protesters' core economic grievances.
- Rubio said the demonstrations have ebbed after a violent crackdown that he claimed has killed thousands, calling the response effective and horrifying.
- He warned that unrest could return unless the government changes or steps aside, asserting the regime is unwilling to shift resources toward citizens' needs.
- Rubio framed the recent U.S. regional buildup, including a carrier strike group, as a defensive posture to protect U.S. forces and allies, noting a reserved preemptive defensive option if attacks are imminent.
- Iranian officials said about 40 law enforcement officers were killed, claimed armed terrorists infiltrated protests, and accused the United States and Israel of organizing the unrest.