Marco Rubio: Iran Still Led By Extremist Clerics

Marco Rubio Iran remarks after a meeting with senior Gulf officials focused on Tehran’s regime, Iran-backed proxies, Red Sea and Gulf security, and ongoing Israel-Lebanon negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Iranian regime remains led by extremist clerics. He said that has always been the case and continues to be true today.

His remarks came as Washington seeks to reassure regional partners following the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding. For Israel and Gulf states, the central question is not only diplomacy. It is whether Iran will stop using proxies, waterways, and regional pressure to threaten its neighbors.

Proverbs teaches, “By justice a king gives stability to the land” (Proverbs 29:4). In the Middle East, stability requires more than signatures. It requires moral clarity, secure borders, and a refusal to reward aggression.

Rubio Iran Remarks

Rubio said Iran funds groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. He said Tehran uses those groups to interfere in the affairs of other countries.

“So far, we have not transferred any funds to Iran, nor have we approved doing so,” Rubio said.

He also said the United States did not discuss creating a fund for Iran’s rehabilitation with Gulf states.

According to Rubio, he came to the region to reassure America’s partners. He said Washington would not agree to any step that harms their security or threatens them.

That message also reflects the deeper bond between the United States and Israel. Both nations understand covenant before God as more than religious language. It means liberty under moral authority, responsibility for human life, and the duty to defend our nations from those who seek its destruction.

Israel And Lebanon Talks

Rubio also addressed negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

He said the results of the previous day’s talks were “very good” and expressed hope that progress would continue. Rubio added that Washington hopes to soon reach a declaration of intent between Israel and Lebanon.

That point also connects to Rubio’s earlier public backing of Israel. As covered earlier in “Rubio Stands With Israel: Iran’s Proxies Keep Launching Missiles,” Rubio said the fighting cannot end while Iran’s proxies continue launching missiles.

For Israel, Lebanon cannot be separated from the Iranian threat. Hezbollah remains Iran’s main proxy on Israel’s northern border, and any serious diplomatic process must address that reality.

Hormuz, Iran And Iraq

Rubio also said the United States will not accept any payment, fee, or tax for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

He said passage through the strait must return to its prewar condition. In addition, Rubio said Gulf states, including Oman, made clear that they oppose fees or taxes on passage through the waterway.

Rubio described the memorandum of understanding with Iran as a document of basic principles for negotiations, not a comprehensive agreement.

He also said there are positive signs regarding the formation of Iraq’s new government. According to Rubio, Iraq’s new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is expected to visit Washington soon and meet with President Trump.

Ultimately, Rubio’s remarks placed Iran at the center of the region’s security challenge. The message was clear: America will pursue diplomacy, but not at the expense of Israel, Gulf allies, or free passage through vital international waterways.

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