MANILA : Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN regional meetings in Manila, Rubio said Iran had suffered “a tremendous amount of damage” to its military infrastructure, while accusing Tehran of spending decades investing in missiles, drones and militant groups instead of its own people.

Asked about the rising number of American casualties during the heightened fighting, Rubio said, “Anytime you’re in a combat zone there’s danger associated with it.”

He added that Iran’s ability to continue striking targets showed where its leadership had focused its resources over the past two decades.

“At the end, this actually proves the point that this is what Iran has been investing its money in for the last 20 years,” Rubio said.

“They’ve suffered a tremendous amount of damage to their military infrastructure, but they’ve also spent 20 years taking every penny they have and not spending it on their country. They spent it on sponsoring terrorist groups, and building up their missiles and their drone systems,” he added.

Rubio’s remarks came as the Middle East crisis emerged as a key concern at the ASEAN meetings, with regional leaders warning that continued escalation could affect energy security, shipping routes and global economic stability.

The US Secretary of State also warned Asian leaders that any attempt by Iran to control or impose charges in the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent for international trade and freedom of navigation.

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