Sat May 17 12:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed several key foreign policy issues in an interview. He highlighted NATO’s progress in meeting defense spending targets, attributing it to President Trump’s earlier pressure on member nations. Rubio believes that a breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine war is unlikely until President Trump directly engages with Vladimir Putin. He emphasized President’s desire for peace and his aim to reduce global conflict. Regarding Iran, Rubio stated that the President is giving Iran an opportunity to choose a path of peace and prosperity by abandoning its nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism. He warned of the grave risks posed by Iran’s high level of uranium enrichment, stating they are close to a nuclear weapon threshold, and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution through negotiation.

**News Article:**

**Rubio: Trump-Putin Meeting Key to Ukraine Peace; Iran Nearing Nuclear Threshold**

**Türkiye** – Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that only direct engagement between President Trump and Vladimir Putin can lead to a breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking from Türkiye, Rubio highlighted the progress made by NATO member states in meeting defense spending targets, a shift he credited to President Trump’s past efforts.

“Nothing is going to happen at this point… until President Trump sits across the table from Vladimir Putin and puts it on the line,” Rubio said, echoing the President’s assessment. He emphasized that the President wishes to see less global conflict and more building and development.

Turning to Iran, Secretary Rubio said that it is at the threshold of a nuclear weapon and offered them an opportunity to choose the path of peace and prosperity. He warned of the grave risks posed by Iran’s advanced uranium enrichment. “Once you’re at 60, you’re 90 percent of the way there,” he said, referring to uranium enrichment levels and its proximity to weapons-grade material.

Rubio reiterated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and expressed the hope that ongoing negotiations led by Steve Witkoff, will lead to peaceful and diplomatic resolution. “We’re about to test it and we’ll find out” he said. Rubio emphasized the urgency of the situation and the shared concerns of Israel and other Gulf nations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and long-range missile capabilities.

Rubio concluded by asserting that the President has made the situation with Iran a priority.

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