US Secretary of State says Trump's policy toward Iran “a head for an eye”

President Donald Trump's policy toward Iran is "a head for an eye," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated, warning Tehran that it would "pay a very heavy price " for any hostile actions.

Rubio referred to recent remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said Iran’s policy is “an eye for an eye,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Iran International.

Rubio claimed that Iran contacts the United States daily to seek a deal, but added that Tehran either violates agreements or attempts to renegotiate them after they are reached.

“They are suffering tremendously, and they’re going to suffer more until they come to their senses”, he noted.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump’s policy toward Iran was “a head for an eye,” warning Tehran it would pay a heavy price for attacks on Americans and US interests.

Rubio made the remark when asked about Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi… pic.twitter.com/gx4WgPtG8X

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) July 23, 2026

Addressing issues related to Saudi Arabia’s intention to develop a peaceful nuclear programme, Rubio said Washington is also interested in reaching an agreement on the development of civilian nuclear energy, stressing the strategic importance of bilateral ties.

"When countries decide they want to pursue a peaceful civil nuclear programme, we would prefer them do it with us than do it with some other country. It allows us to have influence over the direction that it goes and allows us to make sure that the safeguards are in place, things of this nature. And in the case of Saudi Arabia, they have been an important strategic partner for us. It would make sense for us to enter such an agreement," Rubio emphasised.

Commenting on Cuba, Rubio argued that the country's leadership is reluctant to improve economic conditions because it fears losing political power.

He also reiterated US criticism of the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying Washington is not a party to the Rome Statute and does not recognise the court's jurisdiction.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov