Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently discussed several pressing international issues during an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News. Speaking from Türkiye, Rubio addressed NATO's financial contributions, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and tensions with Iran.
Rubio highlighted a significant shift in NATO's defense spending since 2018. "We are headed for a summit in six weeks in which virtually every member of NATO will be at or above 2 percent," he stated. He credited former President Trump for challenging alliance members to increase their defense budgets, noting that many countries have committed to reaching higher targets over the next decade.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Rubio emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions rather than military ones. He expressed that peace could only be achieved through direct engagement between President Trump and Vladimir Putin. "Nothing is going to happen until President Trump sits across the table from Vladimir Putin," he said.
Rubio also touched on President Biden's recent speech in Saudi Arabia, praising his focus on building rather than destroying. "The President is a lover of peace...he openly has said...that he wishes we didn’t have to spend all this money on the military," Rubio commented.
In discussing Middle Eastern affairs, Rubio reiterated concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions and its support for terrorist organizations. He mentioned that there might be indications of Iran's willingness to negotiate but stressed the importance of stringent verification measures. "A regime like that can never have nuclear weapons," he asserted.
Rubio warned about Iran's current level of uranium enrichment, describing it as dangerously close to weapons-grade capability. "Once you’re at 60 [percent], you’re 90 percent of the way there," he explained, emphasizing the urgency for diplomatic intervention.
As tensions continue in these regions, Secretary Rubio remains hopeful for peaceful resolutions through negotiation and diplomacy.
