Iran War: Rubio calls conflict necessary despite polling
The Secretary of State defends the military campaign against a backdrop of Republican losses and stalled negotiations in Paris.
By Andrew Yang ·
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the U.S. military campaign against Iran on Sunday, stating that the administration prioritized national security over public opinion. Speaking from Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida, Rubio argued that confronting the threat was required to protect the country, even if the decision was not popular with voters.
The administration has waged war for more than eight months. During that time, the conflict disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that previously carried one-fifth of the world's oil. These disruptions contributed to higher energy prices and other economic pressures that voters cited as reasons for their discontent.
Rubio made his remarks before departing for a meeting of Group of 7 foreign ministers in Paris. He declined to comment directly on the results of Tuesday's elections, which saw a significant defeat for the Republican Party. Democrats gained control of Congress, a shift that many analysts attribute to voter frustration with the cost of living and the war's impact on the economy.
The Secretary of State addressed comments made by Vice President JD Vance, who suggested on social media that the war was a primary cause of the Republican losses. Rubio countered that President Donald Trump identified a real threat in Iran. He said that addressing difficult challenges for national security is often unpopular but necessary.
"He addressed it even though oftentimes the right thing to do for the country, confronting difficult challenges for the security of our country, doing it isn’t necessarily popular, but necessary," Rubio said.
President Trump echoed Rubio's defense during a separate appearance on Sunday. He stated that if he had the choice to make the decision again, he would do so. Trump argued that the action would be remembered historically as one of the best decisions made by the administration. He warned that if Iran had acquired a nuclear weapon, the consequences would have been severe.
"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," Trump said. "Because if they ever had a nuclear weapon, they would blow up the world."
Iran maintains that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes. The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity. This level is a short technical step away from the 90 percent purity required for weapons-grade material. The U.S. military has continued limited strikes on Iranian air defenses and fired on a commercial ship Saturday that attempted to breach the naval blockade.
Mediators are working to revive talks between the United States and Iran. Qatar is currently reviewing proposals aimed at closing the gap between the two sides. Iran has stated it is unwilling to negotiate until the U.S. agrees to several conditions. These include ending the blockade on Iranian ports, lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, and providing compensation for war damage.
Rubio said the U.S. was not close to a diplomatic breakthrough. He described Iranian demands as unacceptable and unrealistic. Trump told CNN that as long as progress continues in negotiations, it is highly unlikely that strikes will resume. However, he noted that the U.S. has identified 38 bridges and other infrastructure targets for potential military action if hostilities return.
