Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s decision to wage war against Iran on Sunday, November 8, saying the military campaign was necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, despite its unpopularity.
Speaking to reporters in Florida before traveling to Paris for a Group of Seven meeting, Rubio said Trump had confronted a national security threat even though the decision was not necessarily popular, according to the Associated Press.
His comments followed the November 3 midterm elections, when Democrats gained control of Congress. Opposition to the Iran war and rising energy prices contributed to Republican losses.
Vice President JD Vance had previously pointed to the war as a major factor in the election results. Trump acknowledged its political impact but maintained that launching the conflict was the correct decision.
Rubio also addressed ongoing negotiations with Iran, saying the two sides remained far from an agreement because of Iranian demands.
The conflict, now more than eight months old, has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to higher fuel prices.