World

Rubio Defends Trump’s Iran War as Necessary Despite Unpopularity

By Al Jazeera Staff

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump launched the war against Iran to protect the world from Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Speaking to reporters in Florida on Sunday, Rubio explained that Trump identified a real threat in Iran and worked to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Trump has said the effort is not necessarily popular but is necessary for national security. Rubio added that diplomatic progress is not imminent, noting that Iran’s demands are “unacceptable, outrageous, ridiculous and unrealistic.” He also said Trump prefers a diplomatic solution but believes the current Iranian demands cannot be met. The comments came after Trump responded to Vice President J.D. Vance’s remarks that the US‑led war on Iran contributed to the Republican Party’s losses in last week’s midterm elections. Trump said he largely agreed with Vance but did not regret the decision to go to war, calling it “one of the best things we ever did.” He warned that if Tehran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, it would “blow up the world.” In a Sunday phone interview with CNN, Trump said that if Washington sees progress in negotiations and Tehran signs a “strong agreement,” it is “highly unlikely” that the US will need to resume strikes. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X on Sunday that it was time for the White House to decide the war. He referenced the midterm election results, stating that Tehran’s “2‑day proposal stands: meet the requirements, including end to war on all fronts, and you will see results.” He added that if the US chooses war, Iran’s “alert and battle‑hardened Warriors” would respond. Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within two days if the United States meets its conditions. Trump is scheduled to meet Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the White House on Monday. Tehran is reviewing proposals from Qatar aimed at addressing differences with Washington, according to the Associated Press. In recent days, Rubio has denied unfounded speculation that he was quitting as the top US diplomat to run for higher office in 2028.