Rubio says war on Iran unpopular but ‘necessary’ to stop nuclear threat

Rubio told reporters in Florida on Sunday that Trump "identified a very real threat" in Iran and had worked to stop it from pursuing a nuclear weapon. He acknowledged that the decision to go to war "isn't necessarily popular, but necessary" for US security.

Diplomatic stalemate

On diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, Rubio stated, "I wouldn't say we're at the verge of a breakthrough." He characterized Iranian demands as "not just unacceptable, but in some cases, outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic." Trump recently commented that while he agreed with Vice President JD Vance's assessment that the war contributed to Republican midterm losses, he stood by his decision, saying it "will go down as one of the best things we ever did."

Iran's conditions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that it was "time for the White House to make its own" decision on the war, noting that "American voters have made their choice" in the midterm elections. Tehran has offered to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within two days if the United States meets its conditions, including ending the war on all fronts.

Diplomatic efforts continue

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. Qatar has presented proposals aimed at addressing differences between Washington and Tehran, which the Iranian government is currently reviewing. Trump told CNN that if a "strong agreement" is signed with Tehran, it is "highly unlikely it's going to be necessary" for the US to resume strikes.