Rubio calls Iran war necessary despite low polls

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters in Florida on Sunday that the war against Iran is unpopular but necessary to stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He said President Donald Trump identified a real threat in the region and acted to prevent it from pursuing a bomb.

Rubio described the decision as a difficult challenge for national security. He noted that doing the right thing is not always popular, but it is required. The comments came as the administration managed fallout from the Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections held last week.

Vice President JD Vance recently linked the war to the party's loss in the vote. Trump said he mostly agreed with Vance but did not regret the decision to fight. He predicted the war would be remembered as one of the best things the country ever did. Trump argued that if Iran possessed a nuclear weapon, it would destroy the world.

In a phone interview with CNN on Sunday, Trump said the United States is unlikely to resume strikes if Washington and Tehran sign a strong agreement. He emphasized that progress in negotiations is key to avoiding further combat.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that it is time for the White House to decide. He wrote on X that American voters have made their choice. He referenced the midterm results as a signal of public sentiment.

Araghchi stated that Tehran's two-day proposal remains open. The offer requires an end to war on all fronts. He warned that if the United States chooses war, Iranian warriors will rain down hell. Iran has also offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within two days if its conditions are met.

Trump is scheduled to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the White House on Monday. Qatar is currently reviewing proposals aimed at closing the gap between Washington and Tehran. Rubio also denied speculation that he would resign to run for higher office in 2028.