Rubio defends Trump's Iran war as not 'necessarily popular, but necessary'

What happened: Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's decision to launch the war on Iran, saying it was "necessary" to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while acknowledging the war was not "necessarily popular." Key numbers: Why it matters: Rubio acknowledged the war's impact on Republican midterm election losses last week, aligning with Vice President JD Vance's statement that also pinned the losses on the war. Rubio said U.S.-Iran talks are making little progress, with Iranian demands "unacceptable" and in some cases "outrageous and ridiculous. Coverage: 5 outlets in 24h

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's decision to launch the war on Iran, saying it was "necessary" to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while acknowledging the war was not "necessarily popular."

Rubio acknowledged the war's impact on Republican midterm election losses last week, aligning with Vice President JD Vance's statement that also pinned the losses on the war. Rubio said U.S.-Iran talks are making little progress, with Iranian demands "unacceptable" and in some cases "outrageous and ridiculous.