- Marco Rubio stated that Iran's alleged placement of mines in the Strait of Hormuz constitutes a criminal act and a breach of international law, emphasizing the need for action, the secretary of state said during a Tuesday afternoon press briefing.
- Rubio said that while the U.S. "holds all the cards" in the situation, the U.S. military is deploying necessary assets to establish a defensive umbrella over commercial shipping in the region, warning of a lethal response if US forces are attacked.
- Rubio urged Iran to make a "sensible choice" and called for a diplomatic solution, suggesting the need for clear negotiations, including preliminary discussions about the negotiation process itself. The former senator quoted a Cypress Hill hip-hop classic when talking about the Iranian regime. “I mean, the top people in that government are, to say the least ... they're insane in the brain, and so we need to address that.”
- Rubio accused Iran of "holding the whole world hostage" in the Strait of Hormuz and warned the Tehran leadership to “check themselves before they wreck themselves.” A subtle nod to Ice Cube’s “Check Yo Self.”
- Rubio became the first official to stand in for White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt as she began her maternity leave. Leavitt's role will not be filled by a single individual but rather by a rotating group of administration officials, reportedly including President Trump and Vice President Vance.
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