United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington could “preemptively” attack Iran. These comments come as U.S. ruler Donald Trump sends a “beautiful armada” of ships to the Middle East and conducts days-long military drills in the region.

U.S. Begins Multi-Day Military Drills In The Middle East

Rubio acknowledged that any attempt at regime change in Iran would prove difficult. His statement is also in line with Trump’s philosophy, as the threats against Tehran continue to ramp up.

While speaking during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Wednesday, Rubio said it was “wise and prudent” to maintain a U.S. military posture in the region. The footprint “could respond and potentially… preemptively prevent the attack against thousands of American servicemen and other facilities in the region,” he said, adding that “I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

According to a report by RT, Trump has stepped up threats against Tehran following weeks of violent protests across Iran caused by economic hardship and a sharp dive in the value of the Iranian rial. Iranian authorities have put the death toll at more than 3,000, although alternative counts suggest the figure could be much higher. Tehran has accused the US and Israel of inciting the violence.

WAR ALERT: Trump Threatens Iran

According to a report by CNN, Trump is weighing a major new military strike on Iran. The network’s sources claimed that options under consideration include strikes on Iranian officials the US believes were responsible for protest-related deaths, as well as attacks on nuclear sites and government institutions.

This attack would be the result of stalled nuclear discussions with Iran on the issue.

President Donald Trump is weighing a major new strike on Iran after preliminary discussions between Washington and Tehran over limiting the country’s nuclear program and ballistic missile production failed to make progress, according to people familiar with the matter. –CNN

Iran has said that any attack on it will elicit a response.

If The U.S. Attempts An Assassination of Khamenei, Iran Will Declare War