US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday defended President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, calling it a vital step to stop Tehran from securing a nuclear weapon even if the conflict has proved unpopular at home.
Speaking at Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida ahead of a Group of Seven foreign ministers meeting in Paris, Rubio addressed criticism following Tuesday's election losses. Democratic victories saw Republicans lose control of Congress amid voter frustration over the eight-month-old conflict and rising fuel prices caused by shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio dismissed arguments against the war following social media comments from Vice President JD Vance, who attributed the Republican defeat to the conflict. Trump also defended the military campaign on Sunday, saying: “I can tell you if I had it to do again, this historically — for history — will go down as one of the best things we ever did.”
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity, a short technical step from the 90 percent needed for weapons grade. Tehran has consistently maintained that its atomic programme is entirely peaceful.
Mediation efforts led by Qatar have yet to produce an agreement. Rubio noted that the administration preferred diplomacy but cautioned that negotiations faced severe obstacles, saying: “I wouldn’t say we’re at the verge of a breakthrough.” Iran has demanded that any ceasefire include an end to the US naval blockade on its ports, the lifting of sanctions, asset unfreezing, war reparations, and an end to regional conflicts.
Trump is scheduled to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House on Monday. Although Trump said resumed strikes were unlikely if an agreement is reached, he stated that targets, including 38 bridges, have been identified if combat escalates. US forces have carried out limited strikes against Iranian air defences twice in the past week and disabled a commercial vessel attempting to breach the naval blockade on Saturday.
