In a pivotal interview with CBS’s Face the Nation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed critical issues concerning the Middle East, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and broader U.S. foreign policy initiatives. Speaking from Jerusalem on the second leg of his diplomatic tour across Europe and the Middle East, Rubio underscored the urgency of hostage negotiations in Israel, U.S.-Iran relations, and potential diplomatic breakthroughs in Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Hostage Crisis and U.S.-Israel Coordination
Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When asked about Netanyahu’s remarks warning of severe consequences if hostages were not released, Rubio emphasized shared priorities between the two nations.
“We want to see every hostage released as quickly as possible,” Rubio stated. “We are coordinating closely with Israel and other allies, and while we cannot publicly disclose operational details, the goal is clear—every hostage must come home safely.”
The hostage situation has remained a focal point in regional security discussions, with international pressure mounting on Hamas to reach a diplomatic resolution. Rubio acknowledged the fragility of ongoing talks but reiterated that the U.S. would not delay efforts to secure freedom for those held captive.
Iran’s Nuclear Threat and Israel’s Right to Self-Defense
Turning to Iran, Rubio dismissed any immediate prospects of diplomatic engagement, asserting that Tehran had shown no inclination toward negotiations regarding its nuclear ambitions.
“We have seen no genuine outreach from Iran,” he remarked. “For decades, Iran’s diplomatic overtures have been a means to buy time while advancing its nuclear program and sponsoring terrorism.”
When questioned about the possibility of Israel launching a preemptive strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Rubio refrained from speculating but reinforced Israel’s right to defend itself. “Israel will always act in its national interest, and the U.S. stands firmly behind its right to security.”
Trump-Putin Talks: A Possible Path to Peace?
Rubio also touched on the latest developments concerning the war in Ukraine, particularly in light of a recent conversation between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While emphasizing that a single phone call does not equate to a peace agreement, Rubio signaled a willingness to explore diplomatic pathways.
“President Trump has made it clear that he wants to end this war in a way that protects Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensures lasting stability,” he stated. “This is an initial step, but there is still significant work to be done before any meaningful resolution can take shape.”
Asked whether he would be engaging directly with Russian officials during his next stop in Saudi Arabia, Rubio confirmed the possibility but noted that nothing had been finalized. “If an opportunity presents itself to build upon the President’s efforts toward peace, we will certainly consider it.”
U.S. Sanctions on Russia: A Shift in Policy?
Following his recent conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Rubio addressed speculation regarding the potential easing of sanctions on Moscow.
“There were no discussions about lifting sanctions,” he clarified. “Our call was primarily about establishing communication channels in line with President Trump’s outreach to Putin. Any future decisions will depend entirely on Russia’s actions.”
Additionally, he acknowledged concerns regarding the operational challenges faced by the U.S. embassy in Moscow and emphasized the necessity of maintaining diplomatic functions. “For any meaningful engagement to take place, our embassies in both Moscow and Washington must be able to operate effectively.”
Controversy Over Vice President Vance’s Speech in Munich
Rubio was also pressed on remarks made by Vice President J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference, where Vance described internal division within the U.S. as a greater threat than foreign adversaries. The Vice President’s meeting with members of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party sparked criticism, particularly given its associations with extremism.
Rubio defended Vance’s speech, arguing that his concerns about free speech and political discourse were valid. “We are democracies, and part of that means open dialogue,” he stated. “The Munich Security Conference is a forum for diverse viewpoints, and Vice President Vance expressed his concerns about the state of free speech and political censorship. That should not be controversial.”
Addressing criticism that the speech may have alienated U.S. allies, Rubio argued that frank discussions among democratic partners should be encouraged rather than avoided. “We have heard criticism of U.S. policies from European leaders countless times, and we respect their right to voice concerns. Similarly, we expect the same courtesy when expressing our viewpoints.”
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for U.S. Foreign Policy
As Rubio continues his diplomatic tour, the global community will closely watch U.S. efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East, navigate delicate negotiations with Russia, and reinforce strategic alliances. His next stop in Saudi Arabia is expected to include discussions on both the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader implications of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
With international diplomacy at a critical juncture, Rubio’s engagements over the coming days may play a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy for the foreseeable future.