Rubio: The U.S. Has Not Yet Achieved Its Goals in Venezuela but Is Moving Toward Them
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Claims to Have Attacked the U.S. Fifth Fleet Headquarters
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States has not yet achieved its set objectives in Venezuela, but is making progress toward them.
Speaking at a hearing before the U.S. Congress, Rubio said: "We have not yet reached our expected goals there [on Venezuela], but only five months have passed. I believe this is worth remembering, as it takes time. We are dealing with a system that has existed for 16 to 18 years, and transforming such a system requires some time. But I believe we are moving forward in good rhythm in this direction."
On January 3, the United States launched a large-scale attack on Venezuela, resulting in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were then taken to New York. U.S. authorities stated they were suspected of involvement in "drug terrorism." The presidential powers in Venezuela were assumed by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez.
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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it attacked the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters, while U.S. forces said they destroyed Iranian missiles and drones and conducted strikes on Qeshm Island.
The U.S. Central Command stated that the U.S. military acted "in self-defense" and struck Qeshm Island.
The agency posted on the social media platform X: "The U.S. military carried out a defensive strike on Qeshm Island in response to Iran’s attempt to launch attacks in the Middle East."
It is reported that the target of the strike was an Iranian military ground control station.
In addition, according to the U.S. Central Command, American forces destroyed multiple ballistic missiles fired by Iran toward Kuwait and Bahrain, shot down several drones, and sank a tanker attempting to bypass the U.S. blockade en route to Iran’s Khark Island.
Meanwhile, according to Press TV, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it used missiles and drones to attack a U.S. military base and the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters. Additionally, the vessel "Panay," linked to the United States, was also targeted.
Early Wednesday morning, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported explosions occurring near Qeshm Island. At the same time, Bahrain sounded alarms and advised residents to move to safe locations. The Kuwaiti military claimed to have repelled drone and missile attacks.
On Monday, Tehran accused Washington of violating the ceasefire agreement, including actions by the Israeli Defense Forces against Lebanon. However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry did not confirm or deny reports about potential termination of communications with the U.S.
President Trump announced that he would continue negotiations with Iran. Furthermore, after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and representatives of Hezbollah, Trump declared that Tel Aviv and Beirut are open to a ceasefire.
Source: sputniknews
Original: toutiao.com/article/1866936301654028/
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