Rubio: Iran Deal ‘Not Easy’ Amid Theological Rule

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a blunt assessment of nuclear diplomacy with Iran, saying reaching an agreement with Tehran remains difficult because of how the country’s leadership formulates policy.

Speaking in Budapest alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Rubio also addressed US-China relations, global supply chain vulnerabilities, the war in Ukraine, and former President Donald Trump’s support for Hungary’s leadership.

“Policy Decisions Based on Pure Theology”

Rubio placed Iran at the center of his remarks, underscoring what he described as structural obstacles to diplomacy.

“Doing a deal with Iran is not easy. I said it yesterday, I’ll repeat it again today,” he said. “We have to understand that Iran ultimately is governed, and its decisions are governed, by Shia clerics, radical Shia clerics. These people make policy decisions on the basis of pure theology.”

He added that while Washington has long acknowledged the difficulty of negotiations with Tehran, the United States would continue to try.

The comments come as tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and regional posture remain high, with diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation.

Diversifying Supply Chains, Not Targeting China

Turning to global economic security, Rubio warned against excessive dependence on any single country for critical goods.

“It’s not good for anybody to rely on one country or one economy for 90% of anything, especially things like critical supply chains,” he said.

While acknowledging concerns about overreliance, Rubio emphasized that diversification efforts are not inherently directed against China.

“That’s not an anti-China thing. That’s just the reality that over-dependence on one source is not good, especially when there’s been a willingness in the past to use it as leverage,” he stated.

At the same time, Rubio underlined the necessity of continued engagement between Washington and Beijing, describing it as “crazy” for the United States and China not to maintain relations given China’s population size, economic weight, and nuclear capabilities.

Ukraine War and Peace Efforts

Rubio also weighed in on the war in Ukraine, defending efforts by US leadership to pursue peace initiatives.

“In my time observing geopolitics, when a President tries to engage himself in peacemaking and in ending wars, that’s usually applauded,” he said, expressing surprise that attempts to end the conflict have drawn criticism in some quarters of the international community.

He described the reaction as unusual compared to other global conflicts, where mediation efforts are typically welcomed.

Strong Support for Hungary’s Leadership

During his visit to Budapest, Marco Rubio also voiced explicit political support for Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary’s April elections.

“We want this country to do well. It’s in our national interest, especially as long as you’re the Prime Minister and the leader of this country,” he said.

He further underscored Trump’s position, stating: “I can say to you with confidence that Trump is deeply committed to your success.”