Full Breakdown
Marco Rubio Leads White House Press Briefing Amid Iran Conflict
5/6/2026, 5:19:02 AM
Rubio Leads White House Press Briefing
Secretary of State and acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio filled in for Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday while she is on maternity leave. In a 50-minute session he answered questions on the Iran war, the new “Project Freedom” operation, and his upcoming Vatican visit.
Expanded Role and 2028 Prospects
Rubio now heads the State Department, the National Security Council and the National Archives—a combination not seen since Henry Kissinger. He also serves as acting archivist and previously oversaw USAID’s closeout. Political analysts view him and Vice President JD Vance as the leading GOP contenders for the 2028 presidential nomination, and President Trump has praised Rubio’s performance.
Iran Conflict Briefing: Operation Epic Fury and Project Freedom
The war began with airstrikes on 28 February; President Trump notified Congress, starting a 60-day War Powers deadline. Rubio said Operation Epic Fury is concluded and its objectives were met, and that the administration now pursues a defensive “Project Freedom” to free ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz. He estimated about 23,000 civilians from 87 countries are stranded and reported that ten civilian sailors have died.
Official Statements & Responses
Rubio asserted that the United States “holds all the cards” and called the War Powers Act unconstitutional, a view he voiced as a senator and now as secretary. He framed the current effort as defensive and said the administration prefers a peace deal. President Trump has called Rubio “totally involved” in Iran negotiations.
Criticism & Opposition
Members of Congress argue that continued hostilities after the 60-day deadline breach the War Powers Resolution. Critics also note that Iran-related disruptions have pushed U.S. gasoline prices to $4.50 per gallon.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As President Trump has said, and the facts clearly bear out, the United States of America holds all the cards,” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
- “This is not an offensive operation. This is a defensive operation. And what that means is very simple, there’s no shooting unless we’re shot at first,” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
- “They're isolated, they're starving, they're vulnerable and at least 10 sailors have died as a result, civilian sailors,” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
What’s Next
Rubio will travel to Rome and the Vatican later this week for a meeting with Pope Leo XIV to discuss U.S. policy on the Iran war and religious-freedom issues. He may continue to fill in for Leavitt, and diplomatic talks led by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner aim to resolve Iran’s nuclear material and the Strait of Hormuz situation.
