Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy, after the president threatened to target Iranian energy infrastructure if Tehran does not open the Strait of Hormuz.

Secretary Rubio spoke about the efforts to negotiate ahead of Operation Epic Fury, stating, “We could have done this before. I mean, imagine an Iranian regime who – instead of spending billions of dollars supporting terrorist groups and building up all these weapons – invested that money into Iran, for the people of Iran, so they wouldn’t have water shortages, so their economies would provide opportunities.”

He added, “People of Iran are incredible people – very resourceful, very entrepreneurial – but it’s their regime that’s been a problem, and instead they’ve chosen to spend the wealth of their country to support Hezbollah and Hamas and Shia militias inside of Iraq.”

The Israeli Defense Forces killed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy commander last week, who authorized the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Other top Iranian naval officials also died in the strike. The Iran-backed Houthis have recently attacked southern Israel and have threatened to shut down the Bab al-Mandab Strait near the Red Sea.

As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…

• For Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio to be discerning as they engage in the indirect peace talks with Iran.
• For President Trump and his advisors to receive God’s wisdom as they address conflicts across the globe.
• For the Lord’s protection over U.S. soldiers, sailors, and airmen serving in the Middle East and around the world.