Marco Rubio says Trump attacked 'lunatic' Iran to 'take away their missiles' and stop nuclear arms
.@SecRubio: "Let me explain to you guys this in simple English, ok? Iran is run by lunatics — religious fanatic lunatics. They have an ambition to have nuclear weapons. They intend to develop those nuclear weapons behind a program of missiles and drones and terrorism that the… pic.twitter.com/JHeesGYKnG
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 3, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered an extended defense of the United States launching military action against Iran during a press meeting on Tuesday, March 3. He said Israel had already been preparing to strike Iran and suggested that developments in the region left Washington with little choice.
Without hesitation, Rubio argued there was a pressing need to hit Iran with missiles because, in his words, the country is run by “lunatics” and “religious fanatic lunatics.” He claimed the primary concern was Iran’s “ambition to have nuclear weapons," adding that the country had been at its weakest point.
Rubio explained that the president decided to authorize the strike because it was the “right” move. He added that the world would be a safer place once these “radical clerics no longer have access to these weapons."
Marco Rubio explains why Trump decided to hit ‘lunatic’ Iran
Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed mounting questions over President Donald Trump’s decision to launch military strikes on Iran, as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
The strikes have rattled Tehran and triggered strong reactions from around the world. Many are now asking why the action was taken at this particular moment.
According to Rubio, the answer is straightforward. Speaking to reporters, he strongly defended the decision and laid out what he described as the administration’s reasoning.
“Let me explain to you guys this in simple English, ok? Iran is run by lunatics, religious fanatic lunatics. They have an ambition to have nuclear weapons. They intend to develop those nuclear weapons behind a program of missiles and drones that the world will not be able to touch them for fear of those things.”
Rubio argued that Iran is currently in a vulnerable position and that the timing was critical. He continued, “The President made the decision to go after them, take away their missiles, take away their navy, take away their drones, take away their ability to make those things, so that they can never have a nuclear weapon..."
He mentioned that the move was necessary to prevent future threats. Emphasizing the long-term implications, Rubio said, “That's why the President made this decision.
"It was the right decision, and the world will be a safer place when these radical clerics no longer have access to these weapons. You see how they're using them now. Imagine how they would use them a year from now if they had more of these.”
Nearly 2,000 sites targeted in Iran, CENTCOM reports
American and Israeli forces have struck about 2,000 targets in Iran, Central Command said Tuesday. The operation is ongoing. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said more than 50,000 troops and hundreds of aircraft are involved. He said the mission has damaged Iran’s military systems, as per CNN.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks. However, Cooper said Iran’s ability to carry out strikes is going down.
