Marco Rubio snaps at reporter, dismisses claim Israel undermining Trump deal as 'fake'

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio forcefully pushed back against a reporter’s suggestion that Israel may be trying to derail President Donald Trump's diplomatic framework with Iran, dismissing the claim as “fake” and making clear that Washington’s regional partners are fully aware of the administration’s objectives.

The tense exchange unfolded on Wednesday, June 24, as the Trump administration prepares for another round of technical negotiations with Tehran while seeking to preserve a fragile regional arrangement.

Marco Rubio's heated exchange with reporter

The confrontation occurred during a press interaction when Rubio was asked whether he believed Israel was interested in undermining the current US-Iran memorandum of understanding.

Before the reporter could fully develop the question, Rubio interrupted and challenged the premise behind it.

“It’s being reported? Then it’s fake,” Rubio shot back, questioning where the claim originated and expressing frustration with what he viewed as unsubstantiated reporting.

The secretary repeatedly pressed for details about the alleged intelligence assessment being referenced, saying he had no idea what reports the reporter was talking about.

Rubio then stressed that the Trump administration has been operating with complete transparency toward its regional allies and partners.

According to Rubio, Israeli officials and other governments in the region are fully aware of what the United States is pursuing diplomatically and understand President Trump’s positions and non-negotiable conditions.

“All of our partners know what we’re working on,” Rubio said, adding that everyone involved understands the president’s red lines.

Diplomacy enters technical phase

The clash comes as the administration prepares for the next stage of negotiations with Iran.

Rubio said upcoming discussions are expected to move into a technical phase involving specialized working groups focused on subjects such as nuclear issues, sanctions and implementation details.

According to the secretary, experts from the State Department, the Department of Energy and other agencies will participate in those discussions.

He indicated the technical meetings are expected to begin around June 30 and described them as staff-level negotiations designed to address the complex details that accompany any political agreement.

Rubio also emphasized that international nuclear inspectors must be allowed access to Iran’s facilities. “That’s a commitment they made,” he said, arguing that Tehran now needs to follow through on that promise.

Rubio’s comments came during a visit to Kuwait, where he also addressed another growing point of tension: Iran’s suggestions that it could impose fees on traffic moving through the Strait of Hormuz.

The secretary made it clear that the administration rejects any such idea.

He argued that international waterways must remain open and free for global commerce, adding that he expects strong opposition to any tolling proposal from Gulf nations and the international community.