Rubio Defends Iran Strikes as Diplomacy Stalls

Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on Sunday that the United States entered a military conflict with Iran to safeguard global security against the nation's nuclear program. Speaking in Florida before traveling to a Group of 7 meeting in Paris, Rubio argued that difficult security choices are often required for national well-being, even when they lack broad political popularity. He asserted that the administration acted to protect American interests and regional stability.

Rubio indicated that recent diplomatic efforts have failed to produce meaningful progress. He characterized Iranian demands during negotiations as unacceptable and occasionally outrageous. While noting that President Donald Trump prefers diplomatic resolutions, Rubio maintained that the US retains the right to take defensive action if threats emerge for regional shipping lanes or American forces. He did not directly confirm new strikes reported from Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, though Iranian state media cited explosions heard by residents there.

The White House confirmed that Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will visit the Oval Office on Monday. Al Thani, who has acted as a primary mediator between Washington and Tehran, will also meet with Vice President JD Vance. This diplomatic channel remains active despite the stalled negotiations described by the Secretary of State.

In a separate 60 Minutes interview, President Trump analyzed the results of the recent midterm elections. He identified strong American public opinion against Israel as a primary factor in the Republican losses. Trump also cited voter dissatisfaction with specific Republican candidates and high gasoline prices. He stated that the economic cost of the war did not cause him to regret the decision, calling the prevention of an Iranian nuclear weapon one of the best actions the country has taken.

Trump responded to Vice President Vance's suggestion that Republicans must adjust their relationship with Israel to win future votes. The president said he had no issue with that assessment. He also commented on Israeli politics, noting that Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot was given priority to form a government over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump claimed the two leaders share similar policies and that Eisenkot has spoken well of him.

The president also clarified a social media post suggesting UFC CEO Dana White might become the next White House press secretary. Trump said the comment was a joke meant to signal a combative approach to the new Democratic Congress. White, a prominent supporter, reportedly enjoyed the idea. No further details were provided on the potential role.

The Israeli Defense Forces reported engaging a suspect in Zababdeh, south of Jenin, who was holding a Molotov cocktail. The military said the individual was hit, while the Palestinian Authority claimed the person was a 13-year-old boy shot in the chest. No Israeli soldiers were injured in the incident.