HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that President Donald Trump initiated the war against Iran even if it was not “necessarily popular” to protect the world from the country’s nuclear ambitions.
He would not comment directly on the Republican elimination in Tuesday’s election, which was a resounding rebuke to Trump. The unpopularity of the war in Iran and its impact on gasoline prices and other sectors of the economy helped Democrats take control of Congress.
When asked about Vice President JD Vance’s social media post last week, which largely said blamed the war on Republican lossesRubio told reporters that Trump “identified a very real threat” in Iran and worked to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“He’s taken care of it even though it’s often the right thing to do for the country – facing difficult challenges to the security of our country – doing it is not necessarily popular, but necessary,” Rubio said in Florida before heading to a meeting. Group of 7 Foreign Ministers meet in Paris.
The top American diplomat vigorously defended this war which has lasted for more than eight months, even though voters blamed Trump’s policies for the hit to their wallets, including rising energy prices resulting from shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuza crucial waterway through which a fifth of the world’s oil passed before the war.
Rubio and Vance offer different comments on the war
Rubio’s comments also put him at odds with Vance, both of whom are seen as possible contenders in 2028. Asked in a “60 Minutes” interview aired Sunday about potential candidates other than Vance, Trump named Rubio, saying that “I think Marco is great” but pointing out that there was “a huge bench” in his Republican Party and that “maybe I’d be better off not getting involved.”
Trump told reporters Sunday that Vance was right about the war’s impact on the election — except that his vice president also should have insisted that going to war was the right choice.
“I can tell you that if we had to do it again, it would go down historically – for history – as one of the best things we’ve ever done,” Trump said. “Because if they had nuclear weapons, they would blow up the world. »
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a short technical step compared to weapons-grade levels of 90%.
When asked on “60 Minutes” whether he would escalate the war after the election, Trump responded, “Well, I’m not looking to do that.” I don’t think there is any reason to do so. »
Rubio says Iran talks not close to success
With no clear administrative strategy to end the conflict and the Middle East worried about the possibility of a resumption of major hostilities, mediators are trying to restart talks between the parties.
Rubio said: “I wouldn’t say we’re on the verge of a breakthrough. »
He reiterated that Trump prefers a diplomatic solution, but “so far it has not been very productive because the Iranian demands are not only unacceptable, but in some cases outrageous, ridiculous and truly unrealistic.”
Trump is scheduled to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House on Monday, according to his official schedule.
The Associated Press reported that Iran was reviewing the proposals presented by Qatar’s chief mediator, aimed at resolving disputes with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program. But Iran seemed reluctant to negotiate with the Trump administration over their nuclear activities until the United States agrees to several core conditions Tehran demands to be part of any ceasefire deal, officials said.
This includes putting an end to US blockade of Iranian portslifting sanctions, unfreezing its assets, issuing compensation for war damages and ending hostilities throughout the region, including Israeli operations in Lebanon.
While Rubio said there was no diplomatic breakthrough within reach, Trump told CNN in a telephone interview on Sunday that as long as the United States sees progress in negotiations with Tehran and signs a “robust agreement,” it is “highly unlikely that there will be a need” to resume strikes.
Trump, however, said the United States had identified infrastructure targets, including 38 bridges, that it would strike if military action resumed.
The American army, for its part, continues to carry out operations limited strikes against Iranincluding against its air defenses, at least twice in the past week. He also shot and disabled a commercial vessel On Saturday, the United States sought to break the naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Rubio acknowledged that the United States would take defensive measures if necessary.
“If there is a clear and present threat to navigation or to our forces in the region, we have the right to defend ourselves,” Rubio said.
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Price reported in West Palm Beach, Florida.
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