For Iran, it’s an “eye for an eye. For the United States, it’s “a head for an eye.”

At least that is the sentiment Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed early Thursday as the two sides continue their five-month war.

Rubio’s words were in response to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’sstatement that Iran’s policy is an “eye for an eye.”

Rubio was speaking at The Association of Southeast Asian Countries’s 2026 summit in Manila, Philippines. 

“The president’s policy is a head for an eye,” he said. “I mean honestly, that’s what it’s going to be. I mean, they will pay a very heavy price for the things they’re doing.”

Watch:

https://x.com/FoxNews/status/2080269904666636407?s=20

Araghchi had issued his warning Wednesday in a post on  X.

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“Our defense doctrine is clear: eye for an eye,” the foreign minister wrote. “Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.”

https://x.com/araghchi/status/2079997466649448760?s=20

Just last month things were more optimistic regarding a resolution to the war after both sides signed a memorandum of understanding that halted fighting and renewed peace deal talks. 

That did not last long as both alleged the other violated the terms of the ceasefire deal and launched attacks in response. 

Several Republican lawmakers have not been happy with the way President Donald Trump has handled the conflict. 

“There’s got to be an off-ramp, that’s all there is to it,” Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) told reporters Wednesday. 

Rubio told reporters Wednesday that Tehran is “probably not ready” to make a deal but that its leaders “will be soon.”

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“Because the price they’re paying is very high … Despite all that bravado, they are suffering tremendously and they’re going to suffer more until they come to their senses,” he said. “They’re not there yet, unfortunately.”