If Marco Rubio becomes US Secretary of State, what will his policy be on Iran?

Trump’s Expected Appointments: Rubio and Waltz

According to U.S. media reports, Donald Trump may choose Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Michael Waltz as National Security Advisor. Both are members of Congress and have strong anti-Iran views, as well as significant support for Israel.

This decision is not yet official. Reports emerged on Monday following the presidential election process. Although Trump has changed his mind before, sources indicate Rubio is likely to be the choice for Secretary of State, and Waltz appears set for the National Security Advisor position.

The roles of Secretary of State and National Security Advisor are vital in shaping U.S. foreign policy. They are highly sought-after positions following presidential elections. Rubio was previously a top candidate for vice president, but that role went to JD Vance instead. He is a prominent Latino figure in the Republican Party and has yet to hold a senior position like vice president or Secretary of State.

With the growing number of Latino voters in U.S. elections, appointing Rubio could be a significant win for Trump’s supporters among this demographic.

Anti-Iran Stance

Rubio and Waltz have clearly defined positions regarding U.S. foreign policy. They advocate for military strength and a more prominent U.S. presence globally. Rubio is particularly noted for his opposition to Iran, having called for tougher sanctions on the country. During the nuclear negotiations in the Obama era, he pushed for additional sanctions to limit Iran’s benefits.

Recently, Rubio and Senator Maggie Hassan urged the Biden administration to impose stronger sanctions on Iran. This comes in light of recent events, including Hamas’s attack on Israel and the impact on oil sales to Iran.

In a Senate proposal called the "Iranian Oil Harboring Stop Act," Rubio and others are seeking to cut off Iranian oil sales. Another of his proposals, the Iran Terrorism Ending Act, aims to expand sanctions and target violators.

Rubio has also expressed strong support for Israel amid rising tensions, stating that Israel faces its greatest threats since the 1973 war.

Michael Waltz’s Similar Position

Michael Waltz holds a comparable view on Iran. He co-authored a letter signed by 140 representatives urging a firm stance against Iran’s activities. He has criticized the Biden administration for not being strict enough, suggesting it contributed to Iran gaining financial resources.

Waltz has also targeted individuals involved in Iran’s influence in Iraq, advocating for sanctions against them. Both Rubio and Waltz align with a conventional Republican foreign policy that contrasts with Trump’s isolationism.

During Trump’s previous term, advisors like John Bolton and Mike Pompeo guided foreign policy toward a traditional stance, especially regarding the Middle East. If Rubio and Waltz are appointed, similar strategies are likely to follow.

They are expected to adopt a "maximum pressure" approach against Iran while addressing Israel’s security needs. This could mean maintaining or even increasing U.S. military presence in the Middle East despite a general reduction elsewhere.

Overall, the potential appointments of Rubio and Waltz highlight a shift back to more traditional Republican foreign policy tactics, focusing on strong stances toward Iran and unwavering support for Israel.