Rubio says war on Iran unpopular but ‘necessary’ to stop nuclear threat

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump started the war against Iran to counter what he described as a real nuclear threat, calling the decision necessary despite being unpopular. His remarks come as the administration faces political criticism after Republican losses in the midterm elections and seeks a diplomatic route to end the conflict.

Rubio said negotiations were not close to a breakthrough and described some Iranian demands as unrealistic. Trump said renewed US strikes were highly unlikely if talks showed progress and produced a strong agreement. Iran says it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within two days if the US meets its conditions, while Qatar has presented proposals that Tehran is reviewing.