Rubio: Iran Run by ‘Religious Fanatic Lunatics,’ Defends Trump Strike as ‘Right Decision’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Trump’s strikes on Iran. Rubio described Iran’s leadership as “religious fanatic lunatics.” He said the strikes were meant to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Rubio Defends Trump Iran Strikes Quick Looks
- Rubio calls Iran leadership “lunatics”
- Trump strikes aimed at preventing nuclear weapons
- US targeted missiles, drones, and naval assets
- Rubio says Israel prepared to strike independently
- Republicans support preemptive action
- Democrats question imminent threat
- US says strikes not aimed at regime change
- Operation targets military infrastructure
Deep Look: Rubio Defends Trump Iran Strike as Preemptive Move
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a blunt defense of President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran, describing the country’s leadership as “religious fanatic lunatics” and arguing that military action was necessary to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
Rubio’s comments came as the Trump administration continues to defend the preemptive strikes, which targeted Iran’s missile infrastructure, drone capabilities and naval assets.
“Let me explain to you guys this in simple English,” Rubio told reporters. “Iran is run by lunatics, religious fanatic lunatics.”
Rubio argued that Iran’s leadership has long sought nuclear weapons and that current conditions made military action necessary.
“They have an ambition to have nuclear weapons. This is the weakest they’ve ever been. Now is the time to go after them,” Rubio said.
Trump Made “Right Decision”
Rubio said Trump acted decisively to dismantle Iran’s military capabilities before they could support a nuclear program.
“The president made the decision to go after them, take away their missiles, take away their navy, take away their drones … so that they can never have a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said.
He acknowledged that military action carries risks but argued those risks are smaller than allowing Iran to become nuclear-armed.
“There will be a price to pay,” Rubio said. “That is a much lower price to pay than having a nuclear-armed Iran.”
Preemptive Strike Decision
Rubio also addressed questions about whether Israel influenced the timing of the operation. He rejected claims that Washington acted solely because Israel was preparing to strike.
“Your statement is false,” Rubio told a reporter.
However, Rubio confirmed that U.S. officials knew Israel was prepared to act independently.
“We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action,” Rubio said. “We knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces.”
Rubio said U.S. leaders believed acting first would reduce potential casualties.
“The president determined we were not going to get hit first,” Rubio said.
Congressional Support and Criticism
House Speaker Mike Johnson supported the administration’s decision following a classified briefing.
Johnson said Israel was “determined to act … with or without American support” and that a coordinated U.S. response was necessary.
“I am convinced that they did the right thing,” Johnson said.
However, some Democrats questioned whether the strikes were justified.
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia argued that Iran posed a threat primarily to Israel rather than the United States.
“There was no imminent threat to the United States,” Warner said.
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut also expressed concerns, saying he left a classified briefing without clarity about the administration’s objectives.
“I have no idea what the objective is,” Murphy said.
Military Targets and Strategy
Rubio emphasized that the strikes focused on military infrastructure rather than nuclear enrichment facilities.
Targets included:
- Ballistic missile launchers
- Drone systems
- Naval assets
- Military infrastructure
Officials said the objective was to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and prevent the country from shielding a nuclear weapons program.
Not Aimed at Regime Change
Despite harsh rhetoric, administration officials said the mission is not intended to overthrow Iran’s government.
Instead, the focus is on reducing Iran’s military capacity and preventing nuclear development.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said. “It cannot have the things it was hiding behind to have a nuclear weapons program.”
Political Debate Continues
The strikes have sparked debate in Washington over executive authority and military escalation.
Rubio dismissed criticism, saying opponents often leave classified briefings claiming they learned nothing.
“This is an action by the president to address a real threat,” Rubio said.
Rubio concluded that weakening Iran’s military capabilities would ultimately improve global security.
“The world will be a safer place when these radical clerics no longer have access to these weapons,” he said.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.