Rubio Defends Iran War as 'Necessary' Despite Unpopularity, Cites Nuclear Threat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump initiated the conflict with Iran to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. Speaking to reporters in Florida on Sunday, Rubio asserted that Trump "identified a very real threat" posed by Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon and took action to halt it. Rubio acknowledged that Trump addressed "difficult challenges for the security of our country – doing it isn’t necessarily popular, but necessary".

Regarding diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, Rubio indicated that a breakthrough is not imminent. He explained that while Trump favors a diplomatic resolution, Iran's demands are "not just unacceptable, but in some cases, outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic". Rubio's remarks followed President Trump's comments suggesting that "a lot of people didn’t like" Vice President JD Vance's recent assertion that the US-led war on Iran contributed to the Republican Party's significant losses in the recent US midterm elections. Trump, while largely agreeing with Vance, maintained that the decision to engage in war with Iran was not regretted, stating it "will go down as one of the best things we ever did" and warning that if Tehran obtained a nuclear weapon, "they would blow up the world".

In a separate interview with CNN on Sunday, Trump indicated that if Washington observes progress in negotiations with Tehran and a "strong agreement" is signed, it is "highly unlikely it’s going to be necessary" for the US to resume military strikes. For Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that it was "time for the White House to make its own" decision regarding the war. Araghchi wrote on X, referencing the midterm election outcomes, "American voters have made their choice." He added that Tehran's "2-day proposal stands: meet the requirements, including end to war on all fronts, and you will see results. Or choose war, and see our alert and battle-hardened Warriors rain down hell." Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within two days, provided the United States meets its conditions.

President Trump is scheduled to meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the White House on Monday. According to the Associated Press, Tehran is currently reviewing proposals put forth by Qatar aimed at resolving differences with Washington. In recent days, Rubio has also refuted "unfounded" speculation about his potential resignation as the top US diplomat to pursue higher office in 2028.