Every major problem in Middle East caused by Iran's radical Shia clerics, Rubio says

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran's radical Shia clerics are responsible for every major problem in the Middle East, citing their expansionist ideology and support for militant groups. Speaking at the G7 summit in Paris, he listed Iran's backing of Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, Houthis, and involvement in Syria as evidence. Rubio argued that economic sanctions are sufficient to avoid military action.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Iran's Shia clerics are behind every major problem in the Middle East, speaking at the G7 foreign ministers summit in Paris on Friday. Rubio described the Iranian regime as led by a radical religious clerical class with an expansionist mentality, focused on exporting revolution rather than governing. He cited Iran's backing of Hezbollah, support for militias in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen, and involvement in the Syrian civil war as evidence. Rubio also addressed Iran's nuclear program, stating that if Iran wanted nuclear energy it could have had it, but instead built missiles and enriched uranium beyond peaceful needs. He acknowledged the US-Israeli war on Iran is unpopular but essential, and claimed economic pressure is sufficient to weaken the regime without additional military action.