Washington: The U.S.’ increased military presence in the Middle East is intended to defend American forces from potential threats rather than signal an imminent attack on Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday. ‘We are postured in the region for one simple reason, and that is that we understand that there could be threats to our forces in the region,’ Rubio told reporters alongside Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Washington wants to ensure ‘sufficient capacity to defend them, if, God forbid, that were to happen,’ he added.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, when asked whether the Trump administration would consult and inform Congress before attacking Iran or removing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Rubio stated that U.S. President Donald Trump ‘prefers diplomacy and an outcome of negotiated settlement.’ Rubio noted the complexity of dealing with the Iranian regime, saying, ‘We’re dealing with people who make political, geopolitical decisions on the basis of pure theology, and it’s a complicated thing.’ He acknowledged the challenges of negotiating with Iran but emphasized the administration’s intention to try.
The U.S. attacks on Iran last June were carried out without congressional approval or notification of top Democratic leaders in Congress. This has raised concerns among some lawmakers who objected, arguing that the attacks took place despite there being no imminent threat to the United States. Rubio also mentioned that special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been active in the Middle East, are currently traveling for ‘important meetings,’ highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The secretary of state pledged to ‘always comply with the applicable laws of the United States in terms of involving Congress’ in any decisions. He added that the current focus is on negotiations, and any change in the situation would be communicated transparently. ‘The president made that clear: If that changes, it’ll be obvious to everyone, and obviously whatever the law requires us to do, we’ll do,’ Rubio assured.