ADDRESS: U.S. Sec Rubio at G7 in France on Iran War, Russia-Ukraine & Strait of Hormuz

[0:00] We're very clear as we've been from the very beginning, the objectives of this [0:04] mission have been clear from the very first night the President announced it. [0:07] We're going to destroy Iran's Navy, we've destroyed their Air Force, we're going to [0:11] basically destroy their ability to make missiles and drones in their factories [0:15] and we're going to substantially and I mean dramatically reduce the number of [0:19] missile launchers so that they cannot hide behind these things to build a [0:22] nuclear weapon and threaten the world. As the Department of War has consistently [0:26] outlined we are on or ahead of schedule in that operation and expect to conclude [0:30] it at the appropriate time here in a matter of weeks not months and the [0:34] progress is going very well. Obviously we have some work to do, we have to finish [0:37] the job and we are finishing that job. I did describe to our allies however that [0:43] immediately after this thing ends and we're done with our objectives, one of [0:47] the immediate challenges we're going to face is an Iran that may decide that [0:50] they want to set up a tolling system in the Straits of Hormuz. Not only is this [0:54] illegal, it's unacceptable, it's dangerous. [0:56] to the world and it's important that the world have a plan to confront it. The [0:59] United States is prepared to be a part of that plan. We don't have to leave that [1:03] plan but we were happy to be a part of it but these countries have a lot at [1:06] stake. Not just the G7 countries but countries in Asia and all over the world [1:10] have a lot at stake and should contribute greatly to that effort to [1:13] ensure that neither the Straits of Hormuz or frankly any international [1:16] waterways should ever be something that's controlled and told by a nation [1:20] state or by a terroristic government like the one that exists in Iran today [1:25] and that's the [1:26] radical regime. So there seem to be a lot of buy-in to that concept. There's a lot [1:30] of work happening right now. The UK has played a prominent role in bringing that [1:36] together but other countries as well and there seem to be a lot of acceptance of [1:39] all that and and our allies and partners here at least to me seem to be [1:43] appreciative of updates on our operation and an understanding of what lies ahead [1:48] over the next few weeks. [1:50] Those couple of weeks, how seriously is the United States considering deploying [1:56] ground troops and in those couple of weeks will you, what exactly will you be doing? [2:01] I won't discuss military tactics. I don't think anyone in our system is going to talk to you [2:04] about what we have planned or what we intend to do and there's obvious reasons [2:07] for it but to the extent it has to do with like military tactics and plans I [2:11] would refer you to the Department of War and the Department of War is probably [2:14] going to tell you they can't tell you anything. So other than to say that we [2:17] have objectives, I told you what those objectives are and we are very confident [2:21] that we are on the verge of achieving them very very soon. [2:23] Mr. Secretary, on the Straits of Hormuz. [2:26] Did any of the G7 were upset or off-put at all by the President's comments about it? [2:32] They never act that way in front of me. Maybe they say that to you guys and maybe [2:36] they say that in other interviews or when they go on the press but not in [2:39] front of me they don't. I never get that. On the contrary, these meetings are [2:43] oftentimes about thanking America for the role we played in trying to bring [2:46] peace in Sudan. The recognition that the President played a key role in ending [2:50] what was happening in Gaza. Recognition of the role we've played in stabilizing [2:54] Syria. [2:54] Recognition, despite what they may have said in the press, that what we did in [2:58] Venezuela was good for the world and good for our region in the Western [3:01] hemisphere. A recognition of the role we played in setting up, along with others [3:05] like Canada, the gang suppression force in Haiti. And appreciation for the [3:10] mediating role we've tried to play in this war between Russia and Ukraine. So I [3:15] don't know. I mean you guys ask me these questions like if I go into [3:18] these meetings and these people are angry, nobody screams or raises their [3:20] voice or says anything negative. And if they did, I would remind them that I don't care. [3:22] Mr. Secretary, on the Straits of Hormuz. [3:23] Mr. Secretary, on the Straits of Hormuz. [3:23] Mr. Secretary, on the Straits of Hormuz. Mr. Secretary, on the Straits of Hormuz. [3:24] I would remind them that I don't need to. But I would remind them of the role [3:27] America's played over the last year has been a very productive role and very [3:29] helpful to them. And I would just say this and I said this yesterday. I'll say [3:33] it again now. Iran is governed — not the Iranian people. The Iranian people are [3:36] phenomenal people. They deserve way better than what they have, which is a [3:40] radical Shi'a clerical regime that has basically taken that country's wealth [3:43] and used it not to build roads and bridges, not to build health care [3:47] systems or universities, not to build a better more prosperous country. They've [3:51] used the wealth of that country to sponsor terrorism,- [3:54] Mr. Secretary, next to President Roe v. Yo dell. [3:54] Mr. Secretary, next to President Roe v. Yo dell. [3:54] Build rockets, build drones, build missiles, build sea mines. [3:57] That's what they've done with it. [3:59] And try to kill people all over the world. [4:01] And this has to be dealt with. [4:03] That country was a threat for 47 years. [4:05] That regime has been trying to kill and has been killing Americans all over the world for 47 years. [4:10] We have a president that was not going to allow that to continue unfettered. [4:14] So when we are done, Iran was already weak. [4:16] When we are done with them here in the next couple of weeks, [4:18] they will be weaker than they've been in recent history. [4:20] And they will not be able to hide behind those weapons to break out and get a nuclear weapon, [4:25] which would be crazy. [4:27] For these people to ever get nuclear weapons would be crazy. [4:30] Look what they're willing to do with the weapons they have now. [4:32] They hit embassies. [4:34] They target hotels. [4:35] They try to kill civilians. [4:36] They splash out at all their neighbors. [4:37] Imagine if these radical lunatics had a nuclear weapon to threaten the world with. [4:41] Secretary, Russia is playing. [4:43] You tweeted out that you convey the president's commitment to cease fire and negotiate a settlement. [4:49] Is cease fire back on the table? [4:51] In where? [4:52] In Russia and Ukraine. [4:53] Oh, Russia and Ukraine. [4:54] Yeah, we always want to see the end of that war. [4:57] I don't know why that's been a question. [4:59] The last meetings we've had on it were last Saturday in Miami where Steve and Jared met [5:03] with the Ukrainian side. [5:04] There are no meetings scheduled as of now. [5:07] Obviously that war that goes on and it continues, and it's a very unfortunate war, the loss [5:12] of life there is tremendous. [5:14] The Russian side in particular is losing, I think they're losing now more soldiers than [5:18] they're recruiting. [5:19] But it's a... [5:21] We're ready. [5:22] We're ready to play whatever constructive role we can to bring that war to an end. [5:27] But obviously there are a lot of other things going on in the world as well. [5:30] On Russia, Ukraine, there were reports that the US was going to divert some weapons for [5:36] Ukraine in the Pearl system to help make up for the munitions expended in the Middle East. [5:41] Is that accurate? [5:42] And is that a message you communicated to the US? [5:43] Well, it hasn't happened yet. [5:44] Nothing yet has been diverted. [5:45] But it could. [5:46] I mean, frankly, it's not diverted. [5:48] These are not diverted weapons. [5:50] These are our weapons. [5:51] These are our military sales. [5:52] These are military sales through Pearl, paid for by NATO. [5:54] And so the question at some point is, if we have a need, let me be clear, if the United [5:58] States has a military need, whether it is to replenish our stocks or to fulfill some [6:02] mission in the national interest of the United States, we're always going to come first when [6:06] it comes to our weapons. [6:07] I think that's true of every country in the world, unless they're a country that doesn't [6:10] want to survive. [6:11] So I don't have anything to announce. [6:13] It's not like I can tell you that that's happening right now, but it could happen, and it could [6:16] have always happened. [6:17] If we need something for America, and it's American, we're going to keep doing it. [6:19] We're going to keep doing it. [6:20] We're going to keep doing it. [6:21] We're going to keep it for America first. [6:22] But as of now, that has not happened. [6:24] So far, Pearl has been unaffected by this operation. [6:26] But is there being an increase in Russia's support for Iran in this war? [6:30] And why was now an appropriate time for sanctioned Russian lawmakers to come to the U.S.? [6:34] Why? [6:35] Well, that was scheduled previously. [6:36] Not all of them were able to come, only four, I think, were authorized to come. [6:41] We still think – let's separate two issues here. [6:44] Russia is still a powerful country with nuclear weapons, and it is important for nuclear powers [6:48] to have some engagement at the governmental level. [6:51] Just like we do at the diplomatic level. [6:53] I don't think that was a major concession in any way, shape, or form. [6:54] What was the first part of your question? [6:55] Has there been an increase in Russia's support to Iran? [7:00] Look, I'm not going to – let me put it to you this way. [7:02] There is nothing Russia is doing for Iran that is in any way impeding or affecting our [7:06] operation or the effectiveness of it. [7:07] That's the best way that I could put it. [7:08] Did the U.S. tell Zelenskyy that security guarantees depend on this drone from Donbass? [7:09] That's a lie. [7:10] And I saw him say that, and it's unfortunate he would say that because he knows that's [7:15] not true. [7:16] And that's not what he was told. [7:17] What he was told was that the U.S. was going to come to the U.S. and the U.S. was going [7:18] to come to the U.S. in their absence. [7:21] What he was told is the obvious. [7:22] Security guarantees are not going to kick in until there's an end to a war. [7:26] Because otherwise, you're getting yourself involved in the war. [7:30] What is a security guarantee? [7:31] It is troops that are willing to step in and secure. [7:33] If you put that in place now, that means you're injecting yourself into war. [7:36] What he was told very clearly, and he should have understood it, is that security guarantees [7:41] come only after there is an end to the war. [7:44] And that was not attached to unless he gives us territory. [7:46] I don't know why he says these things. [7:48] They're just not true. [7:48] What is the U.S. position on Donbass? [8:20] We're going to continue to try to facilitate what is possible. [8:23] If it's not possible, then the war will continue, sadly. [8:25] Secretary, are the troops being sent to the Middle East? [8:27] Well, you have set up. [8:28] Are you a court reporter? [8:29] It's a standing desk. [8:31] Go ahead. [8:32] How come the rest of you don't have that? [8:34] Go ahead. [8:35] The troops being sent to the Middle East, sir, [8:37] what role could they serve other than preparing the way for a potential ground invasion? [8:43] And while you speak about several weeks, [8:44] are you concerned that this could embroil the U.S. [8:47] in the kind of prolonged conflict [8:49] that's going to happen in the Middle East? [8:50] Excuse me, that President Trump came to office promising to avoid? [8:53] This is not going to be a prolonged conflict. [8:55] The objectives I've outlined to you, again, I repeat them, [8:58] because I see these reports. [8:59] It's like the U.S. is not clear on what objectives are. [9:01] We've been as clear as you can possibly be from the very first night [9:04] of what the objectives of this mission are. [9:06] We're going to destroy their factories that make missiles and rockets and drones. [9:09] We're going to destroy their Navy. [9:11] We're going to destroy their Air Force. [9:12] And we are going to significantly destroy their missile launchers [9:15] so they can never hide behind these things to get a nuclear weapon. [9:19] We can achieve. [9:19] We are achieving all those objectives. [9:21] We are ahead of schedule on most of them. [9:23] And we can achieve them without any ground troops, without any. [9:26] Now, in terms of why there's deployments, [9:29] number one, the President has to be prepared for multiple contingencies, [9:33] which I'm not going to discuss in the media. [9:35] And again, I refer you to the Department of War, [9:37] who will probably tell you the exact same thing. [9:40] But we can achieve all of our objectives without ground troops, [9:42] but we are always going to be prepared to give the President maximum optionality [9:46] and maximum opportunity to adjust to contingencies, [9:50] should they emerge. [9:51] Can I ask you, Mr. Secretary, on Cuba, two questions. [9:54] So, for decades, you have been a proponent of regime change, [9:58] but now there seems to be a sense that perhaps President Trump would be happy with a win, [10:04] which would only entail an economic deal. [10:07] So, where do you, where I, you said there's a sense? [10:09] Where do you get that sense from? [10:10] Well, there's a lot of reporting that needs to be done. [10:12] There's a lot of fake, all right, any, any, no, no, no, no, no, [10:14] any reporting on Cuba that you didn't get from me or the President is a liar. [10:18] Because they're, they're the only people working on it. [10:20] So, do you want regime change, or? [10:21] I'm just warning you guys, all these sources that are pitching you on Cuba don't know a jack, okay? [10:25] They're not in the mix. [10:27] I promise you, they don't know what the hell is happening. [10:29] Do you still want regime change, or would you be okay with an economic deal? [10:33] What do you mean an economic deal? [10:34] No, Cuba's economy needs to change, [10:35] and their economy can't change unless their system of government changes. [10:38] It's that simple. [10:39] Who's going to invest billions of dollars in a communist country? [10:43] Who's going to invest billions of dollars in a communist country run by incompetent communists? [10:47] Which is even worse than communists. [10:48] The only thing worse than a communist is an incompetent communist. [10:51] So, their system of government has to change, [10:54] because they will never be able to develop economically without those changes. [10:57] Economic change is important. [10:58] Giving people economic and political freedom is important, [11:01] but they come hand in hand, they come together. [11:03] Is there a deal for you... [11:04] I don't know why there's any confusion on that. [11:05] Is there a deal for you where the Castro family remains in place, and that's... [11:10] It's not about the Castro family. [11:11] It's about a system of government and a regime that doesn't work. [11:14] Guys, a couple of things on Cuba. [11:16] I didn't come all the way to France to talk about Cuba, but let's talk about Cuba. [11:19] It's perfect, I'm happy to do it, [11:20] because we actually talked about it in the G7. [11:21] So it's actually... [11:22] No, no, of course not. [11:23] Plus, we talked about it in the G7, okay? [11:25] Everybody talks about these blackouts. [11:27] Cuba's been having blackouts all of last year, all the year before. [11:31] There isn't a naval blockade surrounding Cuba. [11:34] The reason why Cuba doesn't have oil and fuel is because they want it for free. [11:38] And people don't give away oil and fuel for free on a regular basis, [11:42] unless it was the Soviet Union subsidizing them or Maduro subsidizing them. [11:46] They just don't do it. [11:47] They may get a shipment here or there, now and then, someone, [11:49] but not enough to sustain their country. [11:51] So that's why they don't have fuel. [11:55] And the reason why they're having blackouts is because they have equipment from the 1950s and 60s [11:59] that they never maintained or kept up. [12:03] But ultimately, the reason why Cuba's a disaster is because their economic system doesn't work. [12:08] It's a nonsensical system. [12:10] And the people of Cuba are suffering because of the decisions, [12:13] because of the unwillingness of the people who govern that country [12:16] to make the changes that need to be made so they can join the 21st century. [12:20] It is sad that the only place... [12:22] Cubans can only be successful if they leave the country. [12:25] That's a very sad thing. [12:27] You see Cubans go all over the world and find success except in Cuba. [12:30] That has to change. [12:31] And for that to change, you need to change the people in charge, [12:34] you need to change the system that runs the country, [12:36] and you need to change the economic model that it's following. [12:39] That's the only way forward if Cuba wants a better future. [12:41] We've expressed that clearly and repeatedly over many years, [12:44] and maybe now there's an opportunity to do it. We'll see. [12:46] Secretary, going back to Iran, [12:48] is it your understanding that they'll convey their response to the 15-point plan today? [12:52] And are you looking for anything in particular? [12:54] We haven't gotten it yet. We haven't gotten it yet. [12:56] Look, we've got messages. [12:58] We've had an exchange of messages and indications from the Iranian system, [13:01] whatever's left of it, about a willingness to talk about certain things. [13:05] We're waiting for further clarification about who was it that we would be talking to, [13:09] what would we be talking about, and when will we be talking. [13:13] I don't have any news for you on that yet. [13:15] It could happen at any moment. It could happen today. It could happen tomorrow. [13:18] We're not predicting it. We're going to continue with our operations. [13:21] What will signal that they're still serious, in your own view? [13:25] Well, I mean, signal is that they call you and say, [13:27] these are the people that speak on our behalf now, [13:29] this is what they're allowed to talk about, [13:31] and this is when we're prepared to meet to talk further. [13:33] That would be a signal. [13:34] But in the meantime, we continue with our operation, a very successful operation. [13:38] Every single day, Iran gets weaker and weaker. [13:41] The Department of War is doing a tremendous job of weakening that regime [13:44] and its ability to lash out against its neighbors and threaten the world. [13:47] Can I ask you about the Western together? [13:51] Well, we had a good, I mean, yeah, I'm happy about, [13:54] there seemed to be agreement in that room that we need to be ready to do something. [13:57] I mean, I think... [13:58] But is it okay with you guys if they don't come in and do anything until after the war? [14:03] Well, we don't, no, no, no, hold on. [14:05] We're not asking for anybody's help on this war. [14:07] The President's been clear. [14:08] We're not asking for anybody to join the war. [14:10] We're not asking for anyone to get involved in the war. [14:12] We're not asking for anyone to get involved in this operation. [14:14] We're not asking for that. [14:15] We're not asking any country. We don't need it. We're doing it. [14:17] We're doing the job, and we're ahead of schedule. [14:20] So that's not what we're talking about. [14:22] We're talking about this. [14:23] There are some in the Iranian regime that are going around saying [14:26] that they want to make this Strait of Hormuz tolling thing, [14:28] they want to make it permanent. [14:30] That's unacceptable. [14:31] The whole world should be outraged by it. [14:33] We're impacted by it a little bit, [14:35] but the rest of the world is impacted by it a lot more, [14:37] including many of the countries represented today here at the G7. [14:40] And so if those countries are deeply impacted by it, [14:43] all we've said is, you guys need to do something about it. [14:46] We'll help you, but you guys are going to need to be ready to do something about it, [14:49] because when this conference is over, [14:50] when this conflict and when this operation ends, [14:52] if the Iranians decide, well, now we control the Straits of Hormuz, [14:55] and you can only go through here if you pay us, [14:57] and if we allow you to, [15:00] not only is it illegal under international law and maritime law, [15:03] it's unacceptable, and that can't be allowed to exist. [15:06] And so what we've said is that the countries that are most impacted by that [15:09] should be willing to do something about it, and we'll help them. [15:12] And that's what I said today, and I had a good reception to that message. [15:15] Did you hear about the Iranian foreign minister, [15:18] what he said at the UN human rights conference? [15:20] Accusing the US and Israel of genocide, essentially. [15:25] The Iranian? [15:26] Yes. [15:27] Oh, okay. [15:28] Well, he's an expert in genocide. [15:29] They're experts in that, because they sponsor terrorism all over the world, [15:32] and they've killed thousands and thousands of people. [15:36] Look at the Middle East. [15:38] Look at the Middle East, guys. [15:39] Every problem in the Middle East tracks back to Iran. [15:41] Hezbollah? Iran. [15:43] Shia militias that are destroying and threatening Iraq? Iran. [15:47] Hamas? Iran. [15:49] The Houthis? Iran. [15:50] The Assad when he was in Syria? Iran. [15:56] Everywhere you turn, they're behind all of it. [16:00] They are a destabilizing, dangerous, evil force that had to be dealt with. [16:04] They have to be weakened. [16:05] Can I ask you about the West Bank? [16:07] What's your level of concern about violence by settlers against Palestinians? [16:11] Well, we're concerned about that, and we've expressed it. [16:13] And I think there's concern in the Israeli government about it as well. [16:15] I'm sure you've seen the reports that some of these individuals [16:18] have also attacked security forces. [16:20] Israeli security forces in the process. [16:23] So we're concerned about that. [16:25] And obviously the President has expressed very clearly [16:27] that he's against any sort of change in the status quo in the West Bank. [16:31] Obviously there's a lot going on in the world right now, [16:33] but that is a topic we follow very closely. [16:35] Will there be repercussions if these attacks continue against Palestinians? [16:39] We've expressed our concern about it, [16:41] and obviously I think the Israelis themselves have expressed concern. [16:44] You've seen that some of these groups and individuals, [16:47] maybe they're settlers, maybe they're just street thugs, [16:49] but they've attacked security forces, Israelis as well. [16:52] So I think you'll see the government there do something about it. [16:55] One of the topics that came up today was the Chernobyl power plant repair fund. [17:01] Has the U.S. committed any funding? [17:03] We have not as of yet. [17:04] It didn't come up directly in today's conversations, [17:06] but I know it's been a topic that's been talked about. [17:08] We haven't made a decision on what we can contribute to that yet. [17:10] On the temporary oil sanctions relief for Russian oil, [17:15] I'm just wondering if those will truly be temporary, [17:18] and what's the plan and timeframe? [17:20] Well, right now I think they expire April 9th or 10th, [17:23] and it's only about the oil that's in the water. [17:25] So that's not a permanent policy of the United States. [17:28] Obviously we'll make adjustments if necessary given global conditions, [17:32] but ultimately the president has not indicated his desire [17:35] to permanently lift any of these sanctions. [17:37] This has to do mostly with oil that's already out in the water [17:40] and was either going to go, for example, to China to discount. [17:44] Now the oil is going to be sold one way or the other. [17:47] The only difference is are more countries eligible to buy it [17:50] to take a little bit of the strain off the global concern [17:54] about what's happening in this operation. [17:56] And then on the straight-up foreign news again, [17:58] I mean, I know there's been discussions of a potential multinational coalition [18:04] after the conflict ends. [18:05] I'm just wondering if any of the G7 countries you spoke to today [18:08] gave any sort of early commitments that they would want their military... [18:11] I think they all gave a commitment that they understood the necessities for, [18:16] potentially. [18:17] And that there would be a need to participate in something like that. [18:20] I think some of the confusion over the first couple weeks, [18:23] maybe in the media, maybe in other forums, [18:26] is this idea that somehow we were asking for that to start immediately. [18:29] I think we've always viewed it as a post-conflict necessity. [18:33] Look, I don't care what Iran says. [18:36] The first few tankers that go through the straits after this operation is over, [18:40] they're going to want an escort from somebody, [18:42] or they're not going to be able to get insurance. [18:44] So the world better step up. [18:45] But we have a second problem, and that is, [18:47] what if Iran decides, whoever's in charge over there, [18:49] whether this Ayatollah's alive or the new Ayatollah, [18:51] or whatever it is, [18:52] what if they decide, hey, we like this Tollan. [18:54] We're going to start charging everyone to come through here. [18:56] We're going to blow you up. [18:57] The world better step up and do something about it. [18:59] And so, especially the countries that most depend on the straits, [19:03] rich countries, powerful countries, capable countries. [19:05] So we'll be there to help. [19:06] We're willing to be a part of that coalition. [19:08] But we've encouraged others to sort of put it together. [19:11] Many today signified not only that they understood that message [19:14] and agreed with it, [19:15] but they were working hard to make that happen. [19:16] All right. [19:17] It's getting cold. [19:18] We're out. [19:19] Let's go.