U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to explicitly rule out whether Russia or China is providing targeting intelligence to Iran following a series of recent strikes on U.S. troops in the Middle East.

Rubio’s Statement

Speaking to reporters at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila, Rubio was asked directly about potential Russian and Chinese military intelligence sharing with Tehran. “Look, all I would say is that anytime you’re in a combat zone like that, there’s danger associated with it,” Rubio said. “In the end, this actually proves the point that this is what Iran has been investing its money in for the last 20 years.”

Rubio added that Chinese officials remain opposed to disruptions along major maritime trade routes. “I think the Chinese—and I’ll let them speak for themselves—are not big fans of what Iran is trying to do in the strait,” Rubio said. “They have publicly said they oppose tolling or any other restraint on freedom of navigation through the strait. We hope they’ll continue to say that. It’s important that other countries say that as well.”

U.S. Military Strategy

Rubio stated that American military actions are focused on preserving maritime security and targeting launch sites. “Commercial ships are trying to go through the Strait of Hormuz, and they’re being blown up,” Rubio said. “The United States is defending that shipping. We are also targeting the places launching attacks against those ships and continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to target and harm global shipping.”

Rubio contended that Iran’s current actions stem from a long-term defense strategy focused on building up conventional missile and drone arsenals to deter international intervention. “They spent 20 years taking every penny they had and not spending it on their country. They spent it sponsoring terrorist groups and building up their missiles and drone systems,” Rubio said.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.