U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday a peace deal between Lebanon and Israel is “imminently achievable” and emphasized that the Lebanese Armed Forces must have both the will and capability to directly confront Hezbollah’s arms.
Rubio said there is no fundamental conflict between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, adding that Israel does not claim any Lebanese territory.
He noted that a central challenge to enforcing a lasting ceasefire lies with Hezbollah, which he said operates from within civilian areas in Lebanon while conducting attacks against Israel. He added that the group is also responsible for endangering Lebanese civilians, while arguing that Israeli military actions are largely responses to Hezbollah activity or perceived threats.
Hezbollah operates as an extension of Iran’s regional strategy, he said, arguing that Tehran is behind several armed groups in the Middle East, including Hamas and the Houthis. He described Hezbollah as part of a broader network of Iran-backed actors contributing to regional instability.
Rubio said Washington aims to facilitate talks between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. mediation. Progress would require strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces so they have the “capability to challenge Hezbollah and disarm them.”
Iran: sanctions and escalation
Turning to Iran, Rubio emphaszied that U.S. actions in the region are “defensive.”
“This is not an offensive operation. This is a defensive operation. If Iran attacks a ship, we will respond to it,” he said, adding that two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio said the U.S. is stepping up sanctions enforcement aimed at limiting Iran’s ability to generate revenue. He warned that any foreign financial institution or commercial actor facilitating sanctions evasion would face secondary sanctions and potential exclusion from the U.S. financial system.
He said the measures are designed to cut Iran’s financial capacity, claiming the blockade is costing Tehran $500 million a day and that 90% of total Iranian trade has been halted.
“The President’s preference is peace,” he said, adding that a negotiated path could lead Iran toward stability. However, he warned that Iran “should not test the will of the United States,” adding that sustained diplomatic engagement remains conditional on de-escalation.
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