Rubio Warns Iran Near Economic ‘Cataclysm,’ Details Greenland Security Pact and Cuba Policy in Wide-Ranging Interview

Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Fox News host Sean Hannity for a comprehensive interview Monday, addressing escalating tensions with Iran, strategic gains in the Arctic, and the deteriorating situations in Cuba and Venezuela. The wide-ranging discussion underscored the administration’s hardline posture toward adversaries and its focus on securing critical geopolitical interests.

Iran-Backed Threat in the UK

Rubio opened by addressing the recent disruption of a serious terror plot targeting a U.S. air base in the United Kingdom, confirming the involvement of a foreign actor. While declining to disclose specific intelligence details, he characterized the thwarted attack as a “very serious situation” and praised British authorities for their cooperation and swift response. The Secretary noted the incident underscores the reality of threats from actors like Iran, which has openly threatened American interests globally, warning there would be severe repercussions for any such attacks or attempts.

European Borders and Migration

Responding to concerns about Europe’s security posture, immigration policies, and the rise of parallel legal systems, Rubio acknowledged the continent faces significant challenges. He emphasized that no responsible government can sustain uncontrolled borders, drawing a distinction between orderly, merit-based immigration and unsustainable mass migration. Rubio argued that the United States and European nations are confronting the consequences of an “uncontrolled flood” of people, asserting that mass migration is terribly costly and unsustainable over the long term.

Preventing an Iranian Nuclear Breakout

On Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Rubio detailed the strategic rationale behind recent U.S. military operations, codenamed “Midnight Hammer” and “Epic Fury.” He explained that Tehran sought to build a massive conventional arsenal—drones, rockets, and missiles—to create a shield of immunity behind which it could race toward a nuclear weapon. The President’s actions, Rubio stated, prevented Iran from crossing that threshold of immunity, averting a future where the regime possesses a nuclear deterrent akin to North Korea.

Rubio warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would dominate the Strait of Hormuz, controlling global energy flows and holding the world economy hostage. He stressed the unique danger posed by the Iranian regime, describing it as driven by radical Shia clerics with an apocalyptic worldview who would use nuclear weapons for blackmail and mass murder. “People like that can never possess a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said, crediting President Trump with preventing an outcome previous administrations only promised to avoid.

Iran’s Economic Collapse

The Secretary confirmed that Iran’s economy is nearing a “cataclysm,” citing hyperinflation, massive unemployment, and severe shortages. He noted the tragedy of this collapse for the Iranian people, who he described as industrious and heirs to a great civilization, blaming the revolutionary government for diverting national wealth toward terrorism and weapons programs rather than domestic welfare. Rubio argued that denying the regime revenue through sanctions is not merely punitive but preventative, cutting off funds used to arm proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas and to advance the nuclear program.

Strategic Breakthrough in Greenland

Turning to great power competition, Rubio highlighted a “extraordinary achievement” by President Trump securing a perpetual agreement with Denmark and the Kingdom of Norway for an expanded U.S. military presence in Greenland. He clarified the move was driven by national security imperatives, not territorial ambition, citing the Arctic’s emerging role in global shipping, space warfare, and missile defense for North America.

The agreement ensures no adversary—specifically China or Russia—can establish a strategic foothold on the island through dual-use infrastructure investments. Rubio noted the deal came at zero cost to the American taxpayer and benefits NATO and continental defense. While rare earth mineral extraction remains a potential future benefit, Rubio emphasized the primary driver was the island’s critical geography for missile defense and sea lane security.

Cuba: A Failed State

Rubio offered a stark assessment of Cuba, declaring the island nation has “already fallen” into failed state status. He described a non-functional economy propped up by corruption and military-controlled rackets that enrich a tiny elite while driving mass emigration—nearly 20 percent of the population has fled since 2021. The Secretary vowed the administration would never allow Cuba to become a base for anti-American operations and insisted that any future engagement requires simultaneous political and economic liberalization, warning the regime it cannot wait out the current administration.

Venezuela: Push for Democratic Transition

Regarding Venezuela, Rubio outlined a dual track of economic recovery and democratic restoration. He emphasized the need for free and fair elections, noting ongoing work with the 2015 National Assembly to establish the necessary conditions. A credible electoral process, he argued, is the prerequisite for Venezuela to achieve the prosperity its people deserve after decades of corruption.

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