The United States will continue to target any Iranian assets that threaten commercial shipping or American forces in the Strait of Hormuz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday, emphasizing that Washington will never permit Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Speaking during an interview on The Brian Kilmeade Show, Rubio addressed ongoing military activity in the region following reports that the U.S. carried out strikes near the strait in response to Iranian sea-mining attempts and missile launches.
“Iran will never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, certainly not as long as President Trump is in office,” Rubio said. “While our primary vehicle by which we are preventing them from getting a nuclear weapon and inflicting the price and a cost on them is economic, we always reserve the right to defend our interests in the region.”
Rubio stated that U.S. forces successfully cleared mines recently placed in the strait by Iran, adding that shipping lanes remain open despite ongoing friction.
“They keep shooting at ships,” Rubio said. “So we will continue to target those things that pose an imminent threat to our forces and to global shipping in the straits. The straits will remain open, and they will not be under Iranian control.”
Rubio also warned third-party nations against helping Tehran bypass international sanctions. Addressing reports of diplomatic and trade discussions involving Iran, India, and Pakistan, Rubio said the administration’s stance remains clear: “No country should be helping Iran evade sanctions. And if countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too.”
Beyond the Middle East, the Secretary addressed several key foreign policy matters:
Russia and Intelligence Channels: Rubio characterized a recent trip to Moscow by top intelligence officials as a “routine” effort to maintain critical communication lines between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, rather than part of a new diplomatic initiative.
Ukraine and Air Defense: While acknowledging Ukraine’s requests for additional Patriot missile defense systems, Rubio noted that global supply constraints and domestic defense requirements dictate U.S. transfers. “We have minimum requirements of our own, and those always have to be met before we can provide others,” he said. He added that negotiations are ongoing regarding potential licensing for Ukraine to manufacture defense equipment.
Canada Trade Negotiations: Following a stall in bilateral trade discussions, Rubio stated that negotiators had been close to an agreement two weeks ago before a late change in the Canadian position disrupted talks. He noted that U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer continues to lead those discussions.
Venezuela Transition: Rubio outlined a three-part strategy for Venezuela focused on stabilization, economic recovery, and an eventual democratic transition. He confirmed that talks facilitated by the U.S. between the 2015 National Assembly and the interim government are set to hold their next phase in approximately 10 days.
Rubio, who also serves as National Security Advisor, said the administration’s focus remains on balancing immediate crises with long-term strategic positioning, including energy security in the Western Hemisphere.
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