Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said that no one wants Iran to become a nuclear power in a recent interview [1].

The statement underscores the ongoing tension between the U.S. and Iran regarding nuclear proliferation. The potential for Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon is viewed by U.S. officials as a primary catalyst for instability in the Middle East and a risk to international security [2].

Speaking in a video interview posted on the ARY News YouTube channel, Rubio framed the issue as a matter of global safety [1]. He said that Iran's nuclear ambitions remain the central issue in any negotiations [2]. This position aligns with a broader U.S. strategy to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons to states that could use them to destabilize the region.

Rubio also addressed the economic leverage held by Tehran. He said that Iran already uses the Strait of Hormuz as an “economic nuclear weapon” [2]. This maritime corridor is critical for the global flow of energy, and Rubio said that Iran has bragged about holding a significant portion of the world's energy hostage [2].

Separate reports indicate a divide over Rubio's response to other claims regarding the situation. One report said that Rubio defended a claim made by Donald Trump suggesting the Pope wanted Iran to have a nuclear weapon [1]. However, other reports suggest Rubio rejected that specific allegation [1].

Throughout the interview, Rubio emphasized that the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran is a non-negotiable priority for U.S. foreign policy. He said the goal remains to ensure that the regime cannot utilize nuclear threats to coerce neighboring states, or disrupt global trade [1, 2].

“"No one wants Iran to become a nuclear power."”

The emphasis on both nuclear and 'economic' weapons suggests the U.S. views Iranian influence not just through military hardware, but through the strategic control of global energy chokepoints. By linking the Strait of Hormuz to nuclear proliferation, the U.S. is signaling that any Iranian escalation in either domain could trigger a wider international response.