Marco Rubio says Trump attacked 'lunatic' Iran to 'take away their missiles' and stop nuclear arms

Rubio says the strikes were a proactive defense to weaken Iran’s forces and reduce its ability to strike the US or allies amid rising conflict
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to reporters on March 3, defending US strikes on Iran (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to reporters on March 3, defending US strikes on Iran (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)


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."

LA MALBAIE, CANADA - MARCH 13: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives before a bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Melanie Joly at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu for the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting on March 13, 2025 in La Malbaie, Canada. The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven major democracies - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, will meet on March 12-14. (Photo by Andrej Ivanov/Getty Images)
Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived before a bilateral meeting with Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly during the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in La Malbaie, Canada, on March 13, 2025 (Andrej Ivanov/Getty Images)

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.”

US President Donald Trump arrives for a Medal of Honor Ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 02, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump awarded three soldiers the highest military decoration; Master Sgt Roddie Edmonds, who died in 1985, for shielding Jewish prisoners from Nazi guards during World War II; then-Staff Sgt Terry Richardson for saving 85 lives of fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War; and Staff Sgt Michael Ollis who died in the Afghanistan War when he shielded another soldier from a suicide bomber (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump arrived for a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on March 2, 2026, in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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.

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