Rubio Defends Iran War as Democrats Seize Congress

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s decision to launch a war against Iran on Sunday, arguing that the conflict was necessary to prevent a nuclear threat even if it was not necessarily popular. Rubio made these remarks at Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida before departing for a Group of 7 foreign ministers meeting in Paris.

The defense comes days after Republican losses in Tuesday’s elections, which delivered a rebuke to the administration. Democrats gained control of Congress as voters cited the war’s impact on gasoline prices and the wider economy. Disruptions to shipments in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that previously carried one-fifth of the world’s oil, contributed to higher energy costs.

Rubio’s comments place him at odds with Vice President JD Vance, who blamed the war for the GOP’s poor performance in a recent social media post. Both officials are viewed as potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race. Trump acknowledged Vance’s point but insisted that the war was the correct choice. “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.

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 from the 90 percent threshold considered weapons-grade. Iran maintains that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled. Rubio said he would not describe current negotiations as being on the verge of a breakthrough. He stated that Iranian demands were often unacceptable and unrealistic. The United States is currently reviewing proposals from Qatar, a chief mediator, but Tehran has said it will not negotiate until the U.S. agrees to core conditions such as lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, and ending the blockade on Iranian ports.

Military operations have not ceased. The U.S. military carried out limited strikes on Iranian air defenses at least twice in the past week. On Saturday, U.S. forces fired on and disabled a commercial ship that was attempting to breach the naval blockade. Rubio stated that the U.S. retains the right to defend itself if there is a clear threat to shipping or forces in the region.

President Trump is scheduled to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House on Monday. Trump told CNN that resuming strikes is highly unlikely if the U.S. signs a strong agreement with Tehran. However, he noted that the U.S. has identified 38 bridges as infrastructure targets should military action resume.