In a far-reaching interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered candid insights into several global hotspots, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and rising tensions with China. Rubio, who is now wearing multiple hats as Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, Acting USAID Administrator, and Acting Archivist, emphasized that the Trump administration is determined to lead global diplomacy through what he called “consequential and transformational times.”
Ukraine and Russia: A Fragile Window for Peace
Rubio noted that after more than three years of conflict, the possibility for peace in Ukraine may be emerging, albeit slowly. He credited President Trump’s direct engagement as the key driver in narrowing the gap between Ukrainian and Russian demands.
“This is not our war,” Rubio said. “But President Trump has spent the last hundred days trying to bring about peace. We finally have a clearer picture of what each side would accept to end the fighting—but they’re still far apart.”
He also praised the recently announced minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, calling it a “big win” that could boost Ukraine’s economy and help rebuild the war-torn nation.
Iran: Red Lines on Nuclear Weapons
When asked about Iran’s advancing nuclear capabilities, Rubio was unequivocal. “What cannot happen is to live in a world where Iran has a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Rubio outlined clear conditions that any future agreement must include: a halt to uranium enrichment, unrestricted inspections—including by American inspectors—and an end to Iran’s support for terrorism. He called out the Obama-era deal for its failure to allow inspections of military sites, arguing that transparency is non-negotiable if Iran’s intentions are truly peaceful.
“There are dozens of countries that have nuclear energy and don’t enrich uranium or build long-range missiles. Iran can choose that path of peace too,” he added.
China: A Wake-Up Call for American Manufacturing
Rubio labeled China as the United States’ number one geopolitical foe, criticizing its long-standing trade practices and economic manipulation.
“They’ve been ripping off the world,” Rubio stated, citing unfair tariffs, currency manipulation, and intellectual property theft. He called for the U.S. to rebuild domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on Chinese goods.
While he acknowledged behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagements between both countries, he stressed the importance of long-term structural change. “We’ve allowed them to de-industrialize us. It cannot wait any longer.”
Looking Ahead
As the Biden-Trump foreign policy legacy clash continues to unfold, Rubio’s expanded role puts him at the heart of America’s strategic decisions across multiple fronts. From attempting to broker peace in Europe to blocking nuclear proliferation and rebalancing trade with China, his message was clear: America must act now—or face greater risks later.
Etamagazine will continue to monitor these developments and provide insights into how global politics shape the African continent and the world.