US Secretary Rubio Dismisses Iran Nuclear Bomb Intelligence Before Strikes

Following U.S. military airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that it is irrelevant whether U.S. intelligence confirmed Iran was actively building nuclear weapons under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's orders. Rubio emphasized that Iran already possesses the materials and capabilities, such as 60 percent enriched uranium and fortified underground facilities, necessary to develop nuclear weapons, suggesting this alone justifies the strikes. This stance contradicts earlier intelligence assessments, including testimony by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who stated that Iran had not resumed its nuclear weapons program since 2003. Rubio dismissed these intelligence reports and instead pointed to circumstantial evidence and assessments by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as justification. His comments have drawn scrutiny domestically and internationally, raising questions about the legitimacy of the U.S. strikes and the potential for escalating conflict. Despite this controversy, Rubio maintained that Iran's uranium enrichment and nuclear site fortifications indicate clear weaponization ambitions regardless of direct intelligence confirmation.