Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the recent U.S. military strike on Iran was intended to permanently eliminate what he described as the nation’s nuclear threat, emphasizing that the objective had been clear from the outset
Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the recent U.S
Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the recent U.S. military strike on Iran was intended to permanently eliminate what he described as the nation’s nuclear threat, emphasizing that the objective had been clear from the outset.
“This was the final, best chance to wipe out Iran’s threat for good — so they can never have a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said in a video posted on X. While noting that Iran has the right to pursue civilian nuclear energy, Rubio accused Tehran of constructing concealed facilities capable of enriching nuclear material to weapons-grade levels.
“They build their reactors and their facilities deep in mountains away from the public glare,” Rubio said. “The same equipment that they could use to enrich material for energy they could use to quickly enrich it to weapons-grade.”
Rubio warned that Iran had also been developing a growing stockpile of missiles and drones that could protect its nuclear infrastructure, describing the situation as an “intolerable risk.” He said the U.S. operation was designed not only to target nuclear capabilities but also to weaken those supporting systems.
During an appearance on Hannity hosted by Sean Hannity, Rubio said the United States remains open to direct negotiations with Tehran but would not tolerate talks being used to stall or delay progress.
“There is the potential for a direct meeting at some point,” Rubio said. “But what Donald Trump is not going to allow is fake negotiations to be used as a delay tactic.”
Rubio added that the United States is “very, very close” to achieving its objectives regarding
Rubio added that the United States is “very, very close” to achieving its objectives regarding Iran, claiming recent operations had significantly weakened Tehran’s position.
“This is the weakest Iran has been in 25 years,” Rubio said. “This is the weakest Iran has ever been.”
Rubio also told Hannity that Iran had been working toward missile technology capable of eventually reaching the continental United States. He compared Tehran’s ambitions to those of North Korea, warning that Iran was attempting to follow a similar path.
“That’s what they were aiming to do,” Rubio said. “They were aiming to become the next North Korea.”
In a separate interview with Al Jazeera Media Network, Rubio criticized several European allies for their response to the conflict and suggested the U.S. may need to reassess its relationship with NATO. He pointed to restrictions placed on U.S. military operations by some allied nations.
Rubio said certain NATO members, including Spain, denied U.S. access to airspace and bases during parts of the operation. He questioned whether the alliance remains beneficial if allies do not provide support during critical moments.
All of it’s going to have to be re examined.”
“If that’s the arrangement, that’s a hard one to stay engaged in and say this is good for the United States,” Rubio said. “All of it’s going to have to be re-examined.”
The administration also expressed frustration with the United Kingdom after British officials initially declined to allow strikes from the joint U.S.-UK base on Diego Garcia. British authorities later approved the use of airbases, which subsequently became a key staging point for operations.
Trump also criticized European allies over their response to the conflict and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, urging countries reliant on the route to take responsibility for protecting their own energy supplies.
“You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore.”
Trump further criticized France for declining to assist U.S. operations related to Iran, saying the United States would remember which allies offered support — and which did not — moving forward.
